Watsonville will receive $633,000 for a pedestrian safety project, following action today by the California Transportation Commission (CTC). Funding is made possible due to the Senate Bill 1: Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1), which was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor earlier this year.
The Lincoln Street Safety Project is being done in partnership with Pajaro Valley Unified School District. The project includes new and improved pedestrian crosswalks, sidewalks, and lighting between East Beach Street and Riverside Drive near Watsonville High School; bicycle racks, pavement markings, and signage; and education programs that improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. Over the past five years there have been 17 pedestrian and bicycle crashes within a two block area of Lincoln Street.
“This project will provide a vitally needed safe connection for students walking, biking and skating to Watsonville High School and provide education programs for children and families,” said Jim Murphy, CEO of Ecology Action.
The city and school district are working together to improve safety for students walking and biking. “This grant application came together from a collaborative effort by Watsonville High School, neighborhood residents and the City. We look forward to using the Active Transportation Program grant to make these much needed improvements,” said Maria Esther Rodriguez, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director for Watsonville.