Big changes underway at Twin Lakes State Beach

It’s been 20 years in the making and now big changes are finally happening for Twin Lakes State Beach in Santa Cruz.

If you’ve driven by the area, you’ve probably noticed all the work going on. Crews are there installing $5 million dollars in upgrades.

“We’re looking to improve access, shore up the coastline and really formalize some of the parking that’s been going on there for a long time,” said Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Ryan Connerty.

The multimillion dollar improvement includes realigning the street, adding bicycle lanes, sidewalks and parking spaces between 5th and 7th Avenues. It’s been a tough area for bicyclists and pedestrians to get around safely.

“It would be nice to walk up and down the corner to the shops and restaurants, but it always felt so dangerous because there’s nowhere to get off the street,” said Sarah Lloyd who visits from Silicon Valley. “You could only walk in the cycle lane and the cars are zipping around the corner.”

Officials said the project will also include visual art and will help to provide a buffer for the road and infrastructure along the coast.

“With Climate change and rising tides our pipes and our roads that run along the shoreline are at risk,” said Connerty. “This gives us an opportunity to put in infrastructure that protects them.”

Some residents have mixed feelings about the upgrade.

“My husband’s popped two tires cause of nails on his car,” said Santa Cruz resident Chelsea Brady. “We’re constantly getting our cars filthy. There’s mud everywhere, it’s hard to walk around here.”

Brady also believes when the project is finished, it will make the already very popular destination, too popular.

“On my street it gets really loud, people walking up and down,” said Brady. “It just feels like it makes the area a little less secure.”

County officials said they are trying to work on the inconvenience, but believe it’s a small price to pay for long term benefits.

Weather has stalled things a bit. Construction is slated to be complete this August instead of July.