People in San Lorenzo Valley still have several chances to comment on a draft plan to reshape Highway 9.
Because Highway 9 is a main street for Felton, Boulder Creek and other communities, the Complete Streets Corridor Plan is designed to accommodate safer options for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. According to the draft report, more than 16,000 vehicles a day travel the highway between Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek and more than 21,000 vehicles go between Felton and Ben Lomond.
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is planning two open house meetings in Felton and Boulder Creek to allow people to see the plan for themselves, ask questions and make comments. The first is Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Felton Community Hall, 6191 Hwy. 9. The second is Feb. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Boulder Creek Elementary School, 400 W. Lomond Street.
The draft plan tries to address pedestrian access to both sides of the highway, bike access, reducing emissions from cars, the character of each community and a host of other issues. Potential solutions include: adding center turn lanes; dedicated bike lanes; parking changes; and, new crosswalk signals.
Click here to read the plan online. People can also submit written comments to the commission until Feb. 15. Send those comments to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, 1523 Pacific Avenue, in Santa Cruz, 95060.
