Highway 68 is in line for some major improvements to relieve traffic congestion

Highway 68, the main route between Salinas and Monterey is in line for some major improvements. On any given day, there are about 30,000 cars on Highway 68 between Salinas and Monterey and the most common complaint from drivers are congestion and safety at the intersections.

With the passage of Measure X $50 million is dedicated to Highway 68. Officials are considering three different options to improve safety on the highway. The first includes installing roundabouts where the signals are, the second is widening three sections of the roadway, and then the last would be installing an adaptive signal system where signals talk to each other to improve the flow of traffic. Tonight TAMC will hold a workshop for anyone interested in hearing more about those three options and

“We’re going to focus on the overview of our work so far and then breaking out into tables where everyone can ask us questions. And then we are going to ask for a vote, your feedback on what option you like best,” said TAMC Transportation Planner Grant Leonard.

This is all part of a 20 year plan. Another part of the project deals with improving the connections underneath the road so deer, bobcats and mountain lions can pass safely. The workshop is Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Monterey-Salinas Transit boardroom at 19 upper Ragsdale Drive, suite 100 in Monterey.