News & Events

If you need information regarding Highway 9 or Highway 17, please contact Caltrans at their contact for the Santa Cruz County area at
(805) 549-3138. Caltrans: http://www.dot.ca.gov/  

• Check out our new Facebook page. This page has the most up-to-date information posted.
• Ongoing - Davenport Recycled Water Project Information Blog
• Ongoing - Aptos Village Improvement Plan Information Blog
• Historical 2017 - Interactive map of major storm damage to County Maintained Roads
• 2018 - Twin Lakes Beachfront Improvement Project Resources
  Meeting Presentation - Information Blog
• 9/14/18 - Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Felton Library will occur on 9/21/18. Please view the link for more information about this event. 
• 9/12/18 - Live Oak Library Annex Community Meetings are coming up at Simpkins Swim and Community Center. Click here to learn more.
• 7/9/18 - Request for Proposals - Complete Streets to Schools Plans: City of Watsonville, County of Santa Cruz, City of Scotts Valley & Cities of Marina/Seaside
• 7/6/18 - The Main Street and Bridge Street Improvements Project is anticipated to begin on July 16, 2018. The following information provides insight on what to expect during these improvements. What to Expect
• 6/27/18 - Notice to Contractors: plans and specifications for construction of the Felton Library are now available to bidders.  Pre-bid conference scheduled for Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 1:30 PM, at 6121 Gushee Street, Felton
• 5/30/18 - SB1 Awards Fund Local Road Projects
• 5/8/18 - The County of Santa Cruz and Public Works Invites you to apply for the position of Assistant Director of Public Works
• 4/16/18 - CLOSURE OF SCHULTIES ROAD  Marcela Tavantzis, Interim Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced Schulties Road near the intersection of Old Santa Cruz Highway will be subject to a temporary road closure between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018, for utility pole work. This closure is necessary for PG&E to complete the replacement of a deteriorated pole and transfer of overhead lines. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area if
  possible. Questions may be directed to Lizz Williams of PG&E at (831) 784-3592. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 4/8/18 - LIVE OAK PARKING PROGRAM PRESS RELEASE - The LOPP season will begin on May 5th, 2018.
• 2/1/18 - ROAD DELAYS ON ICE CREAM GRADE John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Ice Cream Grade at PM 1.36, 1.56, and 1.60 will be subject to traffic delays of up to 15 minutes between the hours of 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2018 through Thursday, February 8, 2018. These delays are necessary for geotechnical testing for upcoming road repairs. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area if possible and seek
  alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Jeffrey de los Santos at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 1/24/18 - Public Works is currently recruiting for TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR and for TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR IN TRAINING.
• 1/19/18 - ROAD DELAYS ON HIGHLAND WAY John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Highland Way will be subject to traffic delays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with expected delays of up to two hours starting Monday, January 22, 2018, through Friday, January 26, 2018, weather permitting.  The locations where work will be taking place are as follows: • Highland Way at Spanish Ranch PM 5.95 • Highland Way PM 5.45 • Highland Way PM 3.91 • Highland Way PM 3.73 • Highland Way PM 3.19. These delays are necessary for pavement coring and testing operations. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times.  Questions may be directed to Shaun Deyhim at (831) 454-2160.  For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org.
• 1/12/18 - ROAD DELAYS ON BRANCIFORTE DRIVE John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Branciforte Drive will be subject to traffic delays from Happy Valley School to Granite Creek Road between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, January 15, 2018, weather permitting. These delays are necessary for pavement coring & testing operations, one lane will remain open during work with traffic control in place. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Casey Carlson at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 1/9/18 - Public Works is currently recruiting for Civil Engineer, Associate Civil Engineer and Assistant in Civil Engineering. To learn more, visit https://www.jobaps.com/SCRUZ/default.asp.
• 2017/18 - Winter storm sand and sandbag locations
• 12/21/17 - Imagine No Waste. Stories about how the County is at the forefront of waste reduction and recycling, and what YOU can do to help!
• 12/15/17 - PRESS RELEASE FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS EXPAND RURAL WASTE HAULING
• 12/14/17 - COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ  DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS  REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS  FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES FOR  VARIOUS BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. The County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Works is currently requesting submittal of qualifications for construction management consulting services for various building construction projects throughout the County. To be considered, the applicant must submit a response as detailed in the RFQ by 5:00 P.M., Thursday, January 18, 2018, to Damon Adlao, Project Manager Capital Projects, Department of Public Works, 701 Ocean Street, Room 410, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. The Request for Qualifications is available for viewing and download on the Santa Cruz County’s website at www.ebidboard.com. Please call (831)454-2160 for more information.
• 12/14/17 - COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS  REQUEST FOR QUALIFICAITONS FOR ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR  THE LIVE OAK LIBRARY ANNEX AT SIMPKINS SWIM AND COMMUNITY CENTER. The County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Works is currently requesting submittal of qualifications for architectural engineering services for library and community center building addition and renovation work for a new library learning center at an existing community center. To be considered, the applicant must submit a response as detailed in the RFQ by 5:00 P.M., Thursday, January 18, 2018, to Betsey Lynberg, Director of Capital Projects, Department of Public Works, 701 Ocean Street, Room 410, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. The Request for Qualifications is available for viewing and download on the Santa Cruz County’s website at www.ebidboard.com. Please call (831)454-2160 for more information.
• 11/27/17 - Santa Cruz Public Libraries and The County of Santa Cruz are pleased to invite you to a Community Open House to Review the Latest Interior Design Plans for the NEW Felton Library! Monday, December 4, 2017 Drop-In any time between 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Felton Community Hall located at 6191 Highway 9, Felton, CA.
• 11/17/17 - PRESS RELEASE: TWIN LAKES BEACHFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that East Cliff Drive, from 5th Avenue to 7th Avenue, will be open to eastbound only traffic beginning, Monday, November 20, 2017, at 8 a.m., weather permitting.  Access to the Santa Cruz Harbor from Eaton Street and southbound Lake Avenue remains unchanged.   Westbound traffic on East Cliff Drive will be temporarily detoured north on 7th Avenue, west on Eaton Street, and south on Lake Avenue back down to East Cliff Drive.  This westbound detour is necessary to allow traffic to safely move through the Twin Lakes Beachfront Improvement Project construction zone on East Cliff Drive between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue.  Two way travel lanes will be restored at such time as both traffic and construction can be safely accommodated and no later than project completion, scheduled for April 27, 2018, weather permitting.  All Harbor restaurants, stores, businesses, and facilities are open during construction.  Up to date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County is available online at http://www.sccroadclosure.org/.  
• 11/16/17 - PRESS RELEASE:  CSA 13 HUTCHINSON ROAD CLOSURE STORM DAMAGE REPAIR PROJECT John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Hutchinson Road at the intersection of Summit Road will be subject to road closures currently happening between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and will continue through Wednesday,
  February 28, 2018, weather permitting. These road closures are necessary for storm damage repair work. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and use alternate routes. For up-to-date information on county maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org/
• 11/6/17 - Pajaro River Flood Risk Reduction Project Draft Feasibility Report - Environmental Assessment
• Pajaro River Flood Risk Reduction Project Draft Feasibility Report - Environmental Assessment Appendices For information on how and when to submit comments [Spanish] Project Errata Sheet Revised Pajaro Project FONSI and Executive Summary
• 10/30/17 - Press Release Sanitation Work - Seacliff Drive: John J. Presleigh, District Engineer of the Santa Cruz County Sanitation District, has announced that Seacliff Drive, from and including the intersection with Sea Terrace Way and continuing east 400 feet along Seacliff Drive, will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, from Monday, November 6, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and lane closures are necessary for sanitary sewer improvements. The Santa Cruz County Sanitation District would like the motoring public to be prepared for delays during these times. Questions may be directed to Marcella Bailey at (831) 454-2803. For up-to-date information on county maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org/.  
• 10/3/17 - Press Release ROAD WORK ON NELSON ROAD: John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced road work to repair a storm drain culvert will take place on Nelson Road at P.M. 0.63 near address 614 Nelson Road from October 16, 2017 through November 3, 2017.  Traffic will be subject to delays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times.  Questions may be directed to Greg Jones at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 10/2/17 - Got (too many) Tires? Tire Amnesty Days: Up to five (5) tires accepted per day at no charge. Passenger and light truck tires under 36” in diameter. Tires on rims accepted. Where: Buena Vista Landfill, 1231 Buena Vista Drive, Watsonville & Ben Lomond Transfer Station, 9835 Newell Creek Road, Ben Lomond. When: Saturday, October 14 through Saturday, October 21, 2017. County Disposal sites are open 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, closed Sundays. Who: Residents of the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County and City of Scotts Valley are eligible. Cities of Santa Cruz and Watsonville take tires from their own residents. No waste tires from businesses accepted in the Tire Amnesty Program. Why: The Tire Amnesty Program is funded by a grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to reduce soil contamination, mosquito breeding sites, and fire hazards associated with improperly stored or discarded tires.  Tires will be recycled into new products such as playground surfaces, floor mats and wheel stops. For more information, contact: County of Santa Cruz Public Works Department at (831) 454-2160
• 9/25/17 - PRESS RELEASE:  EMERGENCY TREE WORK - East Cliff Drive (Prospect Street to 12th Avenue) John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that emergency tree work will be performed on East Cliff Drive at address 21130, located between Prospect Street and 12th Avenue on October 3 and 4, 2017, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.  The road will be closed between Prospect Street and 12th Avenue during that time. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times.  Questions may be directed to Greg Jones at (831) 454-2160.  For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit:  http://www.sccroadclosure.org                       
• 9/13/17 - PRESS RELEASE: ROAD DELAYS - SOQUEL DRIVE AT PAUL SWEET ROAD AND COMMERCIAL WAY John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Soquel Drive at intersection of Paul Sweet Road and Commercial Way will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. beginning Monday, September 18, 2017, through Friday, September 22, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for construction.  The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area if possible or be prepared for delays of up to twenty minutes. For up-to-date information on county maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit the World Wide Web at:  http://www.sccroadclosure.org/
• 9/13/17 - RESIDENTS ASKED TO REDUCE USE OF PLASTICS See Press Release Watch KSBW Segment
• 8/7/17 - A Request for Qualifications for the Santa Cruz County Library Renovation Project for the La Selva Beach, Boulder Creek, and Live Oak Branches is now available at this link.  Responses due August 30, 2017.
• 8/7/17 - The temporary bridge on Valencia Road is now open to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Please drive carefully.
• 7/17/17 - Read the latest edition of Curbsider here to learn how to Green Your Summer Outdoor Experience!
• 7/10/17 - Free Composting Workshops in July! These workshops will discuss the principles of composting kitchen and yard wastes using backyard bins and vermicomposting (worm composting) techniques.  You will learn how composting will improve your soil and aid in the health of your plants and vegetables, as well as reducing waste going to the landfill.  Hands-on workshops are led by a Certified Master Composter and Master Gardener and sponsored by the County of Santa Cruz Public Works Department. Workshops will be held Sunday, July 23, 1-3 PM at the Quail Hollow Ranch County Park in Felton, and on Saturday, July 29, 10 AM - noon at the Live Oak Grange, Santa Cruz.  Spanish interpretation will be available at the Grange location. Upon completion of the workshop, attendees are eligible for free or discount composting bins, depending on your city of residence. Space is limited; advance reservation required.  Call (831) 824-6484 or sign up online at goo.gl/Fw6BaK.  After submitting your request, you will be notified if you are accepted in the workshop.
• 7/7/17 - The Measure D Funding plan is now available. Measure D Funding - 5 Year Plan 
• 7/5/17 - The Buena Vista Landfill will be unable to accept credit or debit cards on 7/11, 7/12, and 7/13 due to the installation of new fiber optic lines. Thank you for your patience during this process.
• 6/26/17 -  Call to Artists! The Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space & Cultural Services is seeking an artist to work on a public art project for the Felton Library project. To learn more read this flyer and visit www.scparks.com
• 6/26/17 - Update: Soquel San Jose Road Status: SOQUEL SAN JOSE OPENING MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017 AT 10:00 AM! See Press Release
• 6/19/17 - Press Release: Casserly Road Bridge Replacement: The County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Works has announced that replacement of the Casserly Road Bridge is scheduled to begin Thursday, June 22. Located on Casserly Road and Smith Road, Casserly Road Bridge is a key connecting route for South County residents and businesses. The road will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles, between June 22 and Friday, Aug. 11. The Department of Public Works is expediting the work to minimize impacts to the travelling public. Detour signs will be posted in the area, and travellers are strongly advised to plan ahead. Supervisor Greg Caput thanked residents for their patience and persistence. “The new bridge will enhance public safety for residents, students and businesses in the neighborhood. We need to make sure that the construction is expedited so it is completed as fast as it is possible,“ Caput said. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area if possible. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org.
• 6/12/17 - Laurel Glen is now repaired with no traffic restrictions.
• 6/7/17 - Valencia Mini-Update: Crews are continuing to drill for the shoring system, which walls off either side of the canyon to allow crews to work.  Public Works has also completed the gravity slow creek diversion system, which is a bypass for Trout Creek and is also needed to allow crews to work in the canyon. AT&T recently moved the last of its telephone utility lines , which should speed up the process and make it easier for workers to move around. Coming up, we have some good news. PG&E has agreed to move its overhead utilities beginning the week of June 26. This is a necessary step that will take one week to complete, and we are working with our contractor to look at opportunities to make up this time. We will also continue drilling for the shoring system, and within the next two weeks will begin drilling for the foundation of the temporary bridge. Once that’s complete, we should have a better idea of when that bridge will be open.
• 6/2/17 - Slideshow part 1, part 2, part 3 (large files) and printed slideshow from the Science of Roads presentation from 06/01/17
• 5/23/17 - PRESS RELEASE: COUNTY APPROVES 'NEXT GENERATION' WASTE CONTRACT Establishing a new model for local governments across California, the Santa Cruz County Board of Under the 10-year agreement, GreenWaste will expand organic waste collection and composting, set a raised target to recycle 65 percent of the waste stream, replace its local fleet with greener vehicles that use locally-sourced biodiesel, hold three free annual curbside pickups for bulky items such as couches or washing machines, and increase educational and outreach opportunities. Santa Cruz County waste-diversion programs have won numerous awards as it moves toward a goal of Zero Waste, and the local waste hauler franchise agreement is a key piece of local efforts to protect the environment. The new contract also continues existing programs such as used motor oil and filter collection, holiday tree pickup and a 15 percent "Lifeline" discount for qualifying low-income customers. “There are a lot of great things on this agreement. I think it’s one of the best in the state,” Supervisor Bruce McPherson said. Added Supervisor Ryan Coonerty: “I want to congratulate the staff on a job well done.” Negotiations over the new agreement took approximately 18 months to complete, and includes rate increases that maintain competitiveness with other local jurisdictions. “It’s been a lot of work,” County Public Works Director John Presleigh said. “I’m really proud of our staff.” Emily Finn of GreenWaste Recovery thanked the Board and added, “We’re very excited. We believe this is a very advanced, state-of-the-art agreement. We can’t wait to start rolling out the new programs.” The new agreement takes effect Jan. 1, 2018.
• 5/16/17 - PRESS RELEASE: ROAD DELAYS AT LAUREL GLEN ROAD PM 1.52 John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Laurel Glen Road PM 1.52 will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures, between the hours 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2017, through Wednesday, June 7, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary roadway emergency repairs. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid these areas if possible or be prepared for delays of up to 20 minutes. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org/
• 5/16/17 - Free Yard Waste Drop-Off Event for Residents of Unincorporated Santa Cruz County at Buena Vista Landfill
• 5/14/17 - PRESS RELEASE: ROAD DELAYS ‐ VINE HILL ROAD John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Vine Hill Road at PM 1.18, approximately 1 mile south of Highway 17, will be subject to traffic delays of up to 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning Tuesday, May 16, 2017, through Thursday, May 18, 2017, weather permitting. These delays are necessary for storm-related tree removal work. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Joel La Cagnin at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 5/8/17 - PRESS RELEASE: ROAD DELAYS AT GRAHAM HILL ROAD John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that utility work is underway on Graham Hill Road between Sims Road and Old Graham Hill Road and will continue from
• Monday, May 8, 2017, through Friday, May 12, 2017. Traffic will be subject to delays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Kristine Conley at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org.
• 5/3/17 - PRESS RELEASE: LANE CLOSURE ON QUAIL HOLLOW ROAD John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that the bridge on Quail Hollow Road over Zayante Creek will be subject to a lane closure on Thursday, May 4, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. One lane of traffic will remain open with traffic control. The lane closure is necessary to complete an inspection of the bridge. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and use alternate routes during these times if possible. Questions may be directed to Tim Bailey at (831) 454-2391. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit:  http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 5/3/17 -  PRESS RELEASE: BRIDGE CLOSURES John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that the following bridges will be subject to road closures on Wednesday May 3, 2017: Fern Drive over San Lorenzo River 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Either Way over San Lorenzo River 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Pleasant Way over San Lorenzo River 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Brimblecom Road over San Lorenzo River 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. These road closures are necessary for crews to complete inspections of the bridges.  The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid these areas if possible. Questions may be directed to Tim Bailey at (831) 454-2391. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 5/1/17 - All to-go food serviceware must be compostable or recyclable in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. To learn more about this, please read the recent article from DPW's Tim Goncharoff https://www.biocycle.net/2017/04/27/keeping-compostables-stream-compostable/
• 4/27/17 - Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. From the Register Pajaronian: SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Saturday is “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day,” a federal program designed to encourage safe and convenient ways of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Local ordinances in Santa Cruz County now require all pharmacies to accept used sharps and leftover medicines for proper disposal at no cost to the consumer. The program is paid for by pharmaceutical manufacturers, and there is no cost to pharmacies or local taxpayers. “The program has been a great success. Almost all local pharmacies are now on board, and the rest will be soon," said county planner Tim Goncharoff, who administers the local program. "Last year alone, we collected more than 17,000 pounds of drugs and over 10,000 pounds of needles. This is a big step forward for the people and environment of Santa Cruz County.” Residents are encouraged to ask their local pharmacist about the program. For information on local programs, visit www.santacruzcountyrecycles.org. For information on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback. To see this article visit this link.
• 4/27/17 - Press Release: ROAD DELAYS AT GRAHAM HILL ROAD, John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that utility work is underway on Graham Hill Road between Sims Road and Old Graham Hill Road and will continue from Wednesday, April 26, 2017, through Friday, May 5, 2017. Traffic will be subject to delays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Kristine Conley at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org.
• 4/21/17 - Community Meeting to review preliminary design plans for the New Felton Library! May 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Highlands Park Senior Center located at 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA. Questions call 831-454-2160. See Flyer
• 4/13/17 - With the passing of Measure D, the Public Works Department is asking for public input for transportation projects. If you would like to participate, please complete this survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WQ973G3
• 4/12/17 - Press Release: ROAD DELAYS AT IRWIN WAY BRIDGE: John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work at Irwin Way Bridge, over the San Lorenzo River, South of the town of Boulder Creek, will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., weather permitting.  These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for inspection of the bridge.  The Department of Public Works would like the public to avoid these areas if possible.  Questions may be directed to Tim Bailey, Civil Engineer, at (831) 454-2160.  For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org/.
• 3/27/17 - Press Release: LIVE OAK PARKING PROGRAM TO START APRIL 8, 2017: John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that permit parking within the Live Oak beach areas will begin Saturday, April 8, 2017, and will continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2017.  The program was developed to ensure that residents of the beach areas can park near their homes during the busy summer months and to ensure beach access for the public.  Permit parking will be enforced from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on each weekend and on Memorial Day (May 29), Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (September 4).  On each of these days, any vehicle, motorcycle or trailer parked in the public right-of-way within the designated program area will be ticketed unless a current permit is properly displayed.  Parking without a permit will result in a $48.00 fine.  The Live Oak Parking Program (LOPP) zone covers the beach neighborhoods between the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and 38th Avenue.  The permit program allows each resident living within the LOPP zone to apply for up to two permits at no charge with proof that the vehicle is registered within the permit area.  Additional residential permits
  are available and will require the same DMV proof of registration within the LOPP zone.  Non-residents who wish to park within the zone area may obtain day-use permits or seasonal permits through automated pay stations at four locations within the LOPP zone.  Cash and credit cards are accepted at the pay stations. Pay Station 1: At the roundabout, 5th Avenue and East Cliff Drive
   (Temporarily closed due to construction); Pay Station 2: 9th Avenue and East Cliff Drive; Pay Station 3: East Cliff Drive between 18th Avenue and 19th Avenue; Pay Station 4: 32nd Avenue and Pleasure Point Drive (beach side) across from the Point Market and Cafe.
  For additional information, please call (831) 454-2990, visit our website at www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Home/ParkingPrograms.aspx, or come to the office.  LOPP is located at Department of Public Works, 701 Ocean Street, Room 410, Santa Cruz, CA  95060.  LOPP counter hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
• 3/23/17 - Press Release: ROAD DELAYS ON GRANITE CREEK RD: John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Granite Creek Road from Post Mile 0.56 to Scotts Valley City limits will be subject to traffic delays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for soil boring, one lane will remain open during work with traffic control in place. Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. ... Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times.  Questions may be directed to Casey Carlson, at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/16/17 - Free Yard Waste Drop-Off Events in April for Residents of San Lorenzo Valley - For more information, please visit the Yard Waste Event Flyer.
• 3/15/17 - Press Release: ROAD REPAIRS – EUREKA CANYON ROAD – POSTMILE 7.58 John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that road repairs will be performed on Eureka Canyon Road at PM 7.58. This location will be closed to all traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., starting on Monday, March 20, 2017, through Monday, April 24, 2017, weather permitting. This temporary road closure is necessary in order to complete the work on this narrow section of road. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Joel La Cagnin, Senior Civil Engineer, at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org.
• 3/14/17 - BY POPULAR DEMAND! Some of you have asked where to buy our "Road Disaster Greeting Cards." Download the images and print on a regular sheet of paper or card stock. Fold one sheet into a card, or print double-sided and cut each sheet into two cards.
• 3/13/17 - Press Release:  ROAD DELAYS ON GRANITE CREEK RD John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Granite Creek Road from Post Mile 0.56 to Scotts Valley City Limits will be subject to traffic delays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for soil boring, one lane will remain open during work with traffic control in place. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Casey Carlson, at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/6/17 - (Corrected) Press Release: John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Soquel Drive and Trout Gulch Road will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2017, through Thursday, July 13, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for roadway and storm drainage improvements. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area if possible or be prepared for delays of up to twenty minutes. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/3/17 - Press Release: BEAR CREEK ROAD, Road Delays. John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Bear Creek Road 0.20 miles east of Highway 9 will be subject to traffic delays of up to thirty minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 6, through March 8, 2017, weather permitting. These delays are necessary for soil borings and geotechnical investigation work. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these work hours. Questions may be directed to Joel La Cagnin, at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/1/17 - Press Release: ROAD DELAYS ON GRANITE CREEK ROAD John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Granite Creek Road from Post Mile 0.56 to Scotts Valley City Limits will be subject to traffic delays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2017, weather permitting.  These delays are necessary for soil borings, with one lane remaining open during work hours with traffic controls in place.  The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these work hours.  Questions may be directed to Joel LaCagnin, at (831) 454-2160.  For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/1/17 - Recycling batteries & cellphones is easy and FREE thanks to Felton Paint and Hardware (6291 CA-9), Scarborough Lumber Ace Hardware, and other Santa Cruz County community partners! Bring your individually bagged batteries & cellphones or taped batteries to Felton Hardware or one of the other collection locations listed here. Are you aware of the Take Back programs available in Santa Cruz County? Click here to learn more.
• 2/21/17 - Monday, February 20th, the County of Santa Cruz was hit with yet another severe storm that included strong winds. Monday evening the County and PG&E were put on a Safety Stand Down, meaning it was too dangerous to continue work in certain areas of our County. Public Works is aware that many people count on the Road Closure list that we do our best to maintain in real time. However, due to the Stand Down and the huge amount of calls our Road Closure is not up-to-date. As crews work today the list will be updated. Health and safety is always a priority, there are many roads where people are now landlocked and it is these roads that do have a priority for re-opening but please remember the County has to wait for PG&E to first clear their lines. Our County has been bombarded with one storm after another since December, not really giving us many days of relief; we are experiencing a disaster that we haven’t seen for 30 plus years. Please be patient. http://www.sccroadclosure.org/
• 1/31/17 -  NELSON ROAD Residents might be seeing workers preparing the site for the temporary bridge on Nelson Road. There is a lot of work that needs to happen before the temporary bridge is placed and the actual placement will take coordinating with utilities. Best case scenario the bridge will be in place and ready to access by residents in two weeks. If the upcoming storms that are predicted this Thursday through Tuesday create additional issues then this date will probably be pushed out to three weeks. When using the alternative by-pass route, Mission Springs, please slow down and make sure to obey the traffic signal in place. Thank you everyone for your patience.
• 1/25/17 - This slide is now clear as of 2/27. The only slide remaining is at mm1.0. We do not currently have an eta for this slide to be cleared yet. Upper Zayante Road Update: Public Works had a Geologist inspect the slide located at Upper Zayante Road. According to the geologist, part of the roadbed has given way. This means that we are unable to go clear the slide and open the road because it has been deemed unsafe. The Engineering Department is now working to determine the best approach to repair the damaged roadway. We currently do not have an ETA for this road to be repaired.
• 1/24/17 - NELSON ROAD UPDATE: Nelson Rd hours through Mission Springs Conference Center is now 6:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Please note that Public Works is working on a temporary solution to bridge the area of the washout as soon as possible.
• 1/23/17 - VALENCIA ROAD CLOSURE The Department of Public Works announced the closing of Valencia Road between Trout Gulch Road and Aptos School Road for at least two weeks due to an unstable culvert and uncertain road conditions. An alternate route using Freedom Boulevard has been established (see attached PDF map) to provide access to residents and students at Valencia School, which will remain open. Parents of students are urged to carpool and allow extra time for drop-off and pick up during school hours. “We have seen the road drop approximately 12 inches over the past week and cracks are starting to open up along the edges of the road,” stated Assistant Director of Public Works, Steve Wiesner. “We need to assess the safety of this road as winter weather continues to impact the area.” In addition to the high volume of water, mud and soil saturation destabilizing the culvert and road base, underground utilities and a steep ravine contribute to the concerns of Public Works engineers about this section of roadway.  
  “We are looking out for the safety of our citizens by proactively limiting travel on this section of road,” continued Wiesner. During the next few days of dry weather the County will be setting up an investigation team to assess the integrity of the road fill and the potential hazards of continued use.
  Residents should prepare themselves by limiting travel in this area as much as possible and using the alternative travel route. Updated road information is also available at: http://www.sccroadclosure.org/ and citizens can report problems by calling (831) 454-2160 or using the Citizen Connect app at http://www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/ReportProblem.aspx.
• 1/23/17 - ROAD DELAYS AT WESTBOUND SOQUEL DRIVE John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Westbound Soquel Drive at Cotton Lane will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Wednesday, January 25, 2017, through Friday February 24, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for road construction. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area if possible or be prepared for delays of up to twenty minutes.  For up-to-date information on county maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.   
• 1/22/17 - UPDATE: NELSON ROAD AT PM 0.4 IS CLOSED Public Works is coordinating usage of the Mission Springs Conference Center road that will take residents from Nelson Road to Lockhart Gulch Road. There will be traffic control for this area starting Monday, January 23rd at 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. This way out of Nelson Road will remain open during these hours Monday through Sunday. Please note that this way will only be open during the hours of 7:00 a.m through 5:30 p.m. There will be no access outside these hours.
• 1/19/17 - UPDATE: BEAR CREEK ROAD To the San Lorenzo residents of Bear Creek Road and commuters that use Bear Creek Road please note that the County of Santa Cruz Public Works has opened Bear Creek Road. There are NO restrictions on Bear Creek Road and residents and commuters alike can use the road. The section of road where the slip out occurred and the road is down to one lane is safe for cars and will not be undermined by vehicles using this stretch of roadway. Public Works asks all drivers to use caution when driving and to please obey the stop signs at this location. Public Works is also working hard to make sure that the permanent repairs that Bear Creek needs, happen as soon as possible. If you experience people driving unsafely or not obeying traffic signs please call the Highway Patrol.
• 1/1/17 - Learn about the New Rules for Restaurants located in Santa Cruz County effective January 1, 2017 English Version and Spanish Version / FAQ Sheet
• 12/1/15 - ADA Access in the Public Right-of-Way Grievance Procedure