Santa Cruz County announces changes to provide Highway 9 alternates for pedestrians and cyclists

Santa Cruz County said that the county, in conjunction with Caltrans, is installing new wayfinding signs and improving crosswalks in Felton. The goal is to promote alternate routes to Highway 9 for pedestrians and cyclists.

The county said there have been longstanding community concerns about pedestrians and cyclists because of the high volume of traffic in the area and lack of infrastructure. The county said one of the main areas of concern is the San Lorenzo Valley School District campus.

The signs will direct pedestrians and cyclists through residential neighborhoods and downtown Felton to avoid Highway 9. The Public Works Department is also improving crosswalks at Felton Empire Road, Gushee Street and Cooper Street.

The new signs direct pedestrians away from Highway 9 and to Felton Empire Road, which connects them to Gushee Road. The county said that area sees less traffic.

“Finding safe routes to and from schools is so important for our students, teachers and staff. We are grateful for the improved wayfinding from our campus to downtown Felton and urge parents and guardians to encourage their children to use the alternative routes,” said Dr. Laurie Bruton, the superintendent of San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District.

Bruton and Santa Cruz County 5th District Supervisor Bruce McPherson will be holding a meeting about Highway 9 improvements. It will be held Aug. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the San Lorenzo Valley High School Performing Arts Center. At the meeting, there will be representatives from Caltrans, the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission and County Public Works.

There will also be an information table at San Lorenzo Valley High School’s Back-to-School Night on Aug. 29.