Watsonville Begins $11.7 Million Safer School Walking and Biking Project

WATSONVILLE, Santa Cruz County — The City of Watsonville announced a late-October milestone in its long-planned $11.7 million Safer Access to Pajaro Valley High School & Beyond Project, focused on improving walking and biking connections for students and other residents.

The city scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for October 29, 2026. The project, funded by a state Active Transportation Program grant awarded in 2020, will widen the Harkins Slough Road overpass over Highway 1 to make room for bike lanes and a wider sidewalk separated from vehicle traffic.

Additional safety improvements

The city lists separated bicycle lanes along Green Valley Road, improved curb ramps at seven local schools, high-visibility crosswalks and relocation of a sewer line serving Pajaro Valley High School.

Construction and travel

Granite Construction is identified as the contractor, with work expected to continue over roughly the next year. A groundbreaking does not mean the infrastructure is already in service. Drivers and families should expect changing conditions around work zones and check future city or Caltrans notices before taking a regular school route.

Primary source: City of Watsonville — Safer Access to Pajaro Valley High School Project, Oct. 27, 2026.

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