State Route 17 Shaded Fuel Break
Work on the State Route 17 (SR-17) Shaded Fuel Break Project will begin in the Redwood Estates Community on Monday, August 26th at 9:00 a.m. (see project map). This wildfire resilience project to remove brush, dead and dying vegetation, low limbs and hazardous trees will be completed along SR-17 between the Los Gatos Main Street Bridge and the Summit Road/SR-17 overpass.
About the Project
This multi-agency project has been funded through the California Climate Initiative. CAL FIRE and Caltrans have shifted local resources to focus attention to this very important and valuable endeavor. This project along with 34 others are currently approved and underway throughout California to increase the resilience of vulnerable communities from the threat of wildfire, improve public and first responder egress and access along roadways. Shaded fuel breaks reduce the ability of fire to climb vertically into the tree canopy, keeping fires close to the ground where they can be more readily extinguished by first responders.
For Property Owners within the Project Area
The project will include areas of public and private property; we can only complete work on private property where access is granted by the property owner. Project representatives are ,n the community now going door to door to obtain permission. You can complete the Property Owner Packet, found at firesafe17.com/neighbors to be prepared for a visit or contact the FireSafe Council.
Agencies collaborating with the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, Caltrans and CAL FIRE include, the California Highway Patrol, Chemeketa Park, Dudek, Redwood Estates, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Santa Clara County Parks, Santa Clara County Roads and Airports, Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose Water Company and the Town of Los Gatos.
Over the next several months, workers will be in the community and adjacent SR-17 to complete the work. Traffic in the communities and along SR-17 will be intermittently impacted. The project team is working to reduce traffic impacts on local and regional travel and will provide weekly updates to residents and highway drivers.
Additional Information and Project Updates
Information will be shared through multiple sources including the project Firesafe17 website. Sign up to receive SR-17 Project Updates by email at https://firesafe17.com/sign-up/
