Santa Cruz County Local News: Transportation


All Local Transportation News articles contributed by our local media allies and other local newsrooms.

Image caption: California transportation history runs from railroads to today’s car culture.
California’s History of Transportation: From Railroads to Highways

The history of transportation in California has shaped the state, from the railroads to today’s highways, making the need for planning increasingly urgent. Here’s how it all happened, and where we stand today.

Image caption: Over two weekends last October, residents of Santa Cruz and Watsonville  participated in demonstration rides aboard an electric streetcar on rails.
The ‘Rail Trail’ Movement, Explained

Thousands of miles of railroad track, including some in Santa Cruz County, now sit idle. The fate of those largely abandoned tracks has become a burning controversy.

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo From San Lorenzo Valley Post...

02/01/2025
Image for display with article titled Vegetation Control on Highway 9 Starts Monday, February 3

Beginning Monday, February 3, Caltrans will begin vegetation control work along the entire length of Highway 9 in Santa Cruz County. The first two weeks will focus on the roadway from east of Santa Cruz to Felton. The work continues Monday thru Friday from 7 am to 4 pm and is expected to conclude by mid-March.

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

01/29/2025
Image for display with article titled Vegetation Control Work on Highway 9 to Begin Monday With Daytime Traffic Control

Caltrans will begin vegetation control work on the entire length of Highway 9 in Santa Cruz County in support of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risk along the state highway system.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

01/16/2025
A deadline for resolution of the issue of mobile homes encroaching on the path of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line is approaching. Read on the get the details about what's being done to solve the issue and determine who's responsible for next steps.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

01/15/2025
Read on to learn about the latest update to upcoming changes Santa Cruz Metro service.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

01/14/2025
In a striking setback to reduce California’s air pollution but a win for trucking companies, state regulators have walked away from their ambitious plan to phase out diesel trucks less than a week before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

01/10/2025
Image for display with article titled The Rich and Storied History of Hecker Pass

The original road between Watsonville and Gilroy was a narrow, windy turnpike, dating back to 1860.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

01/10/2025
Learn about how the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission plans to utilize the $19.5 million in federal funds to continue work on the rail trail.

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01/08/2025
Image for display with article titled Felton Meeting to Discuss Highway 9 Preventative Maintenance Project

Caltrans will host a public meeting next week in Felton to hear project details and provide input regarding the upcoming South Santa Cruz Highway 9 capital preventative maintenance project.

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo From San Lorenzo Valley Post...

01/06/2025
Image for display with article titled Filling Stations in Ben Lomond |  Local History

Gasoline powered automobiles became popular in the 1920s as motorists enjoyed a new sense of mobility and adventure. In the early days, travel required careful planning, and gassing up was always a priority. Initially, gasoline had to be obtained at “bulk depots” where fuel was provided in cans or other containers.

California Local Pin Marker From Local News Matters...

01/03/2025
While cities in California continue to pass ordinances to combat illegal sideshows, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several laws that go into effect this year statewide to give municipalities more legal tools to address them. 

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

01/02/2025
A CalTrans funded study of climate risk to the 586 miles of county-maintained roads and the 32 miles of rail was released. Read on to learn more of its findings.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

01/01/2025
Now that a contract has been awarded for the Murray Street Bridge earthquake retrofit in Santa Cruz, a spring 2025 groundbreaking is expected for the $45 million project. Read on to learn more.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

12/26/2024
Read on to learn how you can give your feedback on the City of Santa Cruz 5-year West Cliff Roadmap.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

12/19/2024
Two-way traffic is set to resume on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. Read on for more information about the 2-year effort to repair the storm-damaged road and beloved seaside walkway.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/18/2024
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decree that by 2035 all new cars sold in California must be powered by batteries or other zero-emission systems has received a double dose of legal and political support.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/17/2024
The US EPA granted California’s waiver, which the incoming Trump administration is likely to try to overturn in the courts. The state’s zero-emission vehicle mandates have been the driving force behind California’s progress in cleaning up dangerous air pollutants.

California Local Pin Marker From Times Publishing Group...

12/14/2024
Encroachments on rail trail segments 10 and 11 in Live Oak and Capitola by two mobile home parks have led to a requirement to move over 40 mobile homes by June 2025. Read on to learn more.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

12/13/2024
Image for display with article titled Green Valley Road Work Presses Ahead

Work continues on the Green Valley Road Multi-Use Project. The County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development and Infrastructure said the project will provide pedestrians with a safer, more accessible path through the area. It also includes upgraded road crossings, new bus shelters and upgrades to existing bus stops, landscaping, and public art installations.