Critical repairs nearing completion for West Cliff ahead of Winter

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — A major construction update for West Cliff residents. 

The city invited the media to tour the ongoing repair work along west cliff drive, with critical improvements underway after last winter’s storm.

In about a month, construction workers expect to start paving an important milestone after significant damage from high waves last year.

A strong seawall has been installed to protect the road from future erosion and waves overtopping, crews are working to try and complete crucial phases before winter weather arrives. 

"We're hoping for a normal winter, not another high waves, high swell, atmospheric filled winter like we've had for the last two years," Kevin Grassley, assistant director of public works City, Santa Cruz said. "Looking forward to finishing up work here and getting west back up to two way traffic and bikes and pedestrians."

Traffic control and community safety remains a priority, forcing multiple closures that include a detour on west cliff drive.

The aim is to restore the two-way traffic within the next six months.

Crews plan to finish construction on the 900 block between Woodrow.

Crews stress that immediate roadway openings won’t be possible due to another project that needs to start.

"We have another project site that we're calling the 1030 site, that will take us some time to to finish," Grassley said. "There's going to be active construction for the foreseeable future however, we do hope to restore partial vehicle and bikes and pedestrian access to this part of the coastline as soon as possible."

The goal remains to complete the 900 block by the end of the year, weather permitting.

With erosion concerns at the forefront, project managers are focusing on long term solutions that take into consideration future impacts.

"We've done all we can to design and anticipate that at this project location, we've been intentional about accounting for erosion 50 years into the future. however, the reality is we can't armor 100% of our coastline," Grassley said.

The city is holding an in-person community conversation at the London Nelson Community Center on October 21st.