Busy Watsonville intersection closed for roundabout construction

A construction project is underway in Watsonville that’s expected to relieve some major traffic congestion.

It’s been two years in the making on one of the busiest intersections in the city, and work has started at the intersection of Pennyslvania Drive and Clifford Avenue. Construction has been going on for a couple of weeks now, but the intersection was closed Monday.

One car after another on Tuesday tried going through the intersection only to hit a roadblock.

“The construction is causing confusion and certainly it’s disrupting residents’ normal traffic flow, but we appreciate their patience,” said Murray Fontes, Watsonville city engineer.

The city said about 8,000 cars travel through the intersection every single day.

It’s why Fontes said the $535,000 job needs to happen in the area.

The roundabout is expected to not only relieve traffic, but be safer for pedestrians and reduce pollution.

“Like all good things, once you get the hang of it it’s worth it,” Fontes said.

The local school, Starlight Elementary, opens back up for regular session on Aug. 18. The city hopes to have construction wrapped up by then.