January’s storms hit Scotts Valley hard when at approximately 5 p.m. on Jan. 5, Scotts Valley Water District staff detected an abnormal system condition in one of their tanks. Crews were sent to investigate the potential cause in the Scotts Valley Drive and Granite Creek Road area. Police, Caltrans and Public Works Maintenance were also called to respond.
A sinkhole was found near the sidewalk within the Caltrans right-of-way, adjacent to the traffic signal service cabinet, which was undermining the sidewalk and roadway. A Caltrans traffic signal service cabinet had fallen into the sinkhole interrupting electrical service to the signal network. With the loss of power to the intersection, staff set the signal system to flashing mode, utilizing the battery backup system, which was eventually replaced with a generator installed by Caltrans that restored the traffic signal network. The affected portion of the roadway was closed to traffic.
Scotts Valley residents and those traveling through that intersection are very aware of the size of the construction area and disruption to traffic flow. The City of Scotts Valley worked with a local contractor to make repairs to the road and the sidewalk. As work progressed, the contractor encountered a number of unexpected challenges and subsurface conditions that were not anticipated.
Not only did the construction make the local news, but even Twin Lakes Church included the Scotts Valley sinkhole in their Sunday services.
During excavation for repairs, crews found unstable sandy soils, which required the installation of temporary shoring to support the excavation. During excavation, crews encountered previously undocumented utility lines and a large concrete structure located under the road. The undocumented utility lines are not uncommon in older roadways, but what was interesting was the large concrete structure.
Local historian Jay Topping suspects the concrete structure is related to the former Glenwood Highway. He explained that in the 1920s the militia from San Francisco Presidio made annual treks through the mountains down the “military highway.” The U.S. Government specially ordered concrete 18-20 inches thick for the Glenwood Highway. The military marched their troops and heavy artillery from San Francisco Presidio down to Monterey Presidio every year and didn’t want to take the chance of bogging down through the muddy Santa Cruz Mountains.
As I met with the Public Works staff for information to write this message, I was told that the main project was going to be completed April 17 and traffic lanes would be reopened. There will be some continued work that will be completed at night. Scotts Valley Water District also has some continued work but do not expect full-lane closures and will use traffic flaggers when needed.
I was notified Caltrans was scheduled to complete electrical work near the onramp to southbound Highway 17, but this work would be completed between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Road information and updates can be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5. Flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic control.
It was not easy to balance safety and minimize the risk with construction being conducted adjacent to a major intersection. Many questioned the closure of the right turn lane from Granite Creek overpass; however, space was needed to protect the workers particularly with the volume of traffic in that area. We know this project created a major disruption and inconvenience for the community and appreciate everyone’s support and patience. Thankfully the work is almost complete and there should be very little further traffic disruptions due to this project.
Donna Lind is Mayor of Scotts Valley. To reach Lind, email dl***@**********ey.gov or call 831-438-4187.
