Overnight construction on Hwy 1 expected to end by late 2020

Construction in Santa Cruz County from the Fish Hook to Aptos is expected to be completed by late 2020, with ramp closures in place intermittently.

Caltrans says the work is needed as part of a large “makeover” effort for the highway and will take place overnight.

Some residents have expressed concerns over the delays while Caltrans says the work must go on.

“We have a list of events that we have to work around, including major holidays,” says Susana Cruz with Caltrans. “We have to find time that is good enough to not impact the traveling public.”

The work involves replacing the bridge railings at the Fish Hook and Ocean Street. Meanwhile, the median barriers from the Fish Hook to Aptos will also require replenishing.

More than 40 ramps will be worked on, too, including those at Morrissey, Ocean, 41st, Park Street and everything in between.

Caltrans ultimately decided working on Highway 1 is best done before the 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. commute, otherwise traffic can get even worse than it already is.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2020, most of which will wrap up daily by about 5 a.m. or 6 a.m.