New Signs Prompt Pedestrians, Cyclists To Avoid Hwy. 9 In Felton

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — New signs and crosswalk improvements, designed to keep pedestrians and cyclists safer and off Highway 9 in Felton, have been installed.

The signs provide direction for pedestrians and cyclists — including students at San Lorenzo Valley School District campus — through residential neighborhoods and into downtown Felton while avoiding Highway 9.

The issue has been an ongoing community concern due to heavy traffic and lack of infrastructure on Highway 9. The new signage directs pedestrians and cyclists away from the busy roadway and over to Felton Empire Road, connecting them with Gushee Street. The route is a lower-trafficked alternative to Highway 9, which does not have bike lanes or complete sidewalks.

The County Public Works Department also recently completed improvements to the crosswalk at Felton Empire Road/Gushee Street/Cooper Street, including restriping and new signs.

"I'd like to thank Caltrans and the County Department of Public Works for working collaboratively to enhance safety for students and other residents," Santa Cruz County 5th District Supervisor Bruce McPherson said.

“Finding safe routes to and from schools is so important for our students, teachers and staff,” said Dr.Laurie Bruton, superintendent of San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District. “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.”

McPherson and Bruton will host a community meeting about Highway 9 improvements from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the San Lorenzo Valley High School Performing Arts Center. Representatives from Caltrans, the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission and County Public Works will be present.

In June, the RTC approved the Highway 9 Complete Streets Plan, which is a comprehensive vision and list of potential projects designed to improve safety and access for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. The section of Highway 9 from downtown Felton to the school campus is identified by the Highway 9 plan as a priority area.

There will also be an information table about Highway 9 at the San Lorenzo Valley High School Back-to-School Night, which begins at the school at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29.