Having addressed the frequent questions about development, with the help of Public Works Director Rodolfo Onchi, I will attempt to address the second most-asked questions that council members receive—street repairs!
Questions include: When will Scotts Valley Drive be upgraded? What about the manhole covers that sit below pavement level? Mt. Hermon Road pavement repairs especially near Highway 17 and Lockhart Gulch? When are repairs going to happen on Granite Creek Overpass? And, the big one, why isn’t my residential street repaired?
Private Street Maintenance
Let me respond first to residential street repairs. When the City of Scotts Valley incorporated in 1966, many streets were not built to code. Because of this, those streets were not accepted as city-maintained streets. As such, the responsibility to maintain the private streets rests with the property owners on the street.
Through the years, some neighborhoods have created road maintenance agreements or associations so that residents contribute funds for regular maintenance. But others did not. City officials have offered to provide information to residents willing to create associations, but it’s not easy to find residents willing to step up to take a lead on this project. Because these are “private” streets, the City can’t spend city funds to repair them.
Now for the good news! There are several projects scheduled for this summer.
Mt. Hermon Road
Mt. Hermon Road repairs are scheduled to begin June 16 through June 26. The work will take place during the off-peak hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be lane closures, and due to the amount of traffic on Mt. Hermon Road, there will be delays.
Scotts Valley Drive
Scotts Valley Drive construction is scheduled to begin June 25 and continue through August. This work will also require lane closures with some delays, but Public Works doesn’t anticipate significant delays due to less traffic on Scotts Valley Drive.
Businesses will be notified of any impact to their driveways. “No Parking” signs will be placed in advance. All vehicles must be removed from the street by 9 a.m. If vehicles are left in the work zone, they will be towed at the owner’s expense, so please use caution.
Minimal impact to business driveways is anticipated. Driveway access to major driveways or side streets will be maintained to the greatest extent feasible. However, temporary access restrictions may occur. After treatment, slurry takes up to four hours to cure. Driving, walking or biking on the surface can cause damage and permanent stains to vehicles, shoes, carpets and flooring.
Scotts Valley Drive upgrades include widened buffered bike lanes and slightly reduced traffic lanes. The center lane will also be reduced to provide room for enhanced bike lanes. The upgrades will correct the lowered manhole covers, which was created years ago by a prior contractor.
To help keep the community informed, the City has launched a project webpage where residents can find the latest information, including project updates, construction schedules, traffic impacts and important notices. Regular updates on both the project webpage and the City’s social media channels will continue throughout construction.
Visit the project webpage for updates and project information: scottsvalley.gov/710/Scotts-Valley-Drive-Complete-Street-Impr.
Granite Creek
The City has worked for years to improve the Granite Creek Overpass. While Caltrans typically maintains overpasses, the City of Scotts Valley entered into an agreement with Caltrans many years ago to maintain the Granite Creek Overpass. Caltrans is resurfacing part of the bridge, but the City will handle the major repairs. Although the City has received some grant funding, it does not yet have enough to complete all the needed work.
There are many smaller street projects scheduled for this summer, including utility connections along Scotts Valley Drive and AT&T and Comcast utility projects, including pedestal, manhole and overhead work also on Scotts Valley Drive.
Another project scheduled is the replacement of a culvert on Granite Creek Road near the city limits. There isn’t a date set for this replacement, but the City will place signs notifying residents when the project is scheduled.
Although this work, including the Bike Lane Improvements, has been long anticipated, there will be delays, and it will require our patience and support. Please drive safely and keep our awesome Public Works staff and contractors safe.
Donna Lind is Mayor of Scotts Valley. To reach Lind, email dl***@**********ey.gov or call 831-438-4187.
