Caltrans' primary goal is to improve the flow of traffic for thousands of commuters and local residents. There will be at least one lane open in each direction. No roadwork is scheduled for weekends or evenings. As the project progresses, with minimal daily lane closures, drivers may have a tendency to travel along Mission Street as they did before the start of the project. That is, they may forget that the stretch of Highway 1 remains a construction zone with narrower lanes and crews working close to traffic and pedestrians.
Safety remains the top priority of project officials.
That's why the City of Santa Cruz Police Department is stepping up enforcement efforts in the project area. Of primary concern is the safety of the school children and other pedestrians in the neighborhood. Drivers must remain focused on driving safely. Obey all warning signs and watch for equipment. Workers may be nearby.