Caltrans announced March 18 that speed limits will change on a 0.74-mile segment along Highway 17 in Santa Cruz County, following a recent engineering and traffic survey.
The study section begins at the southern terminus of Highway 17 with the Highway 1 interchange and extends north to the Pasatiempo Drive interchange. Highway 17 is a divided conventional freeway with median barriers through this mountainous area.
The existing speed limit for Highway 17 northbound and southbound are 65 mph and 55 mph, respectively. Based on the survey findings, the speed limits will be changed to 60 mph in both directions. On divided roadways without independent alignments, speed zones in opposing directions of travel should generally reflect the same speed for driver clarity and law enforcement purposes. These changes aim to encourage the safe and orderly flow of traffic.
All updated speed limit signs were recently installed and enforcement of the new speed limits will begin with immediate effect.
The engineering and traffic survey evaluated the existing speed limits, collision history and roadway conditions not always apparent to drivers. These conditions include the grade change, horizontal curves and weaving conditions with the interchange ramps.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) expressed its full support for Caltrans’ recommendations to change the speed limits on this segment of Highway 17. Acting CHP Santa Cruz Area Office Commander Lt. Grant Boles said, “I would like to remind the motoring public to always drive at a safe speed for the current conditions and drive responsibly. Excessive speed is one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal crashes. Let’s all do our part to keep our roads safe.”
Caltrans utilizes multiple resources to determine speed limits on state highways, including the California Vehicle Code, the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, engineering judgment, and engineering evaluations. Speed zoning decisions also align with the Safe System approach outlined in Caltrans Director’s Policy 36 (DP-36).
Director’s Policy 36 demonstrates a department-wide commitment to prioritizing safety and achieving zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. Establishing safe and appropriate speed limits is a key component of this approach and supports the goals of the Caltrans Strategic Plan.
