More Traffic & Safety Improvements are Underway

The City of Watsonville’s Engineering Division is excited to begin improvements on Airport Boulevard as part of a larger vision for traffic, bike, and pedestrian safety.

Most of the project costs will be covered by grants the City received through the Highway Safety Improvement Program and the State Transportation Improvement Program with the remaining portion paid by the City’s Gas Tax funds. Thanks to this funding, this project will help address current pedestrian and motorist safety issues from Freedom Blvd. to near Corralitos Creek.

Starting this April, Airport Blvd. will be reconstructed and repaved. Existing sidewalk, driveways and curb ramps will be replaced. A much desired new crosswalk with flashing beacon pedestrian signs will be installed near Safeway, as well as a new refuge island providing a safe waiting area for more time to cross if needed.
On the northside of Airport Blvd., new sidewalk with curb ramps will be installed. The existing bus stop will be upgraded to include a bus pullout and a wheelchair landing pad. Additionally, the sidewalks near Freedom Blvd. will be replaced along with striping and signs throughout that area. We anticipate all improvements to be completed this August.

Projects like these support Watsonville’s road maintenance and street improvement goals of creating a safer and more efficient community. Residents can also do their part to stay safe by paying attention and not texting while driving or crossing streets; and by obeying signals and using crosswalks.

For more information contact: Murray Fontes, Principal Engineer at (831) 768-3117.