Highway 9 Viaduct Extension near Brookdale Continues with Temporary Signal Construction

 A construction project to extend the Sidehill Viaduct and to provide permanent restoration of a section of State Highway 9, damaged during the 2016-2017 rainy season, continues next week.

The project is located on Highway 9 between Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond, in the community of Brookdale, and .3 miles south of Western Avenue.

The next phase of this project involves construction of a temporary signal system which will provide long term one-way traffic control. During this phase, over the next approximately two weeks, travelers will encounter one-way reversing traffic control on Highway 9 at this location on a Monday through Friday basis, from 8 am to 4 pm, with a delay of up to 10 minutes.

The activation of these temporary traffic signals is tentatively scheduled to occur on February 28, with a public update to be provided if activation is to occur before or after that date. As the signal system is ready to be activated, K-rail will be installed to create a single 15-foot wide lane.

Once activated, the temporary signal system will be in place 24/7 until the completion of the project, now estimated to be December of 2022. Travelers will continue to expect a delay of up to 10 minutes.

During all phases of construction, emergency vehicles will be able to pass through the project area. Additionally, bicyclists will also be able to travel through the construction zone under traffic control.

Message and directional signs will be in place to assist travelers in the area.

The contractor for this $1.74 million project is Gordon N. Ball Inc., of Alamo, CA.

Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through highway work zones.

For traffic updates on other state highways in Santa Cruz County, travelers may contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or can visit the District 5 website.