Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Government News

The rail-trail project could include an elevated track at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, more than 11 stations and a paved path that detours from the rail line in Live Oak, Capitola, Rio Del Mar and South County, authorities said this week.

The design and planning for new zero-emission passenger rail service is happening now, and includes an online survey plus two Community Workshops on Tues., Nov. 12, in Watsonville and Weds., Nov 13, in Live Oak.

Some mobile homes near 38th Avenue and the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line in Live Oak are in the rail line’s right-of-way and could be moved for the rail-trail project.

More than two months after Caltrans said it needed $3 million more to finish Highway 1 work, the county’s transportation commission is still searching for an explanation as they foot the bill.

Santa Cruz County’s rail trail could divert from the train tracks onto neighboring streets to bypass narrow stretches of the rail corridor and wetlands, according to a draft route released this month.

At its May 2 meeting the RTC passed a resolution unanimously requesting Caltrans to lower the speed limits on Highway 9 in downtown Ben Lomond, Brookdale, and the southern portion of Felton to 25 mph.

Segment 5 of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (aka Coastal Rail Trail) will connect Wilder Ranch to the town of Davenport.

As long-time elected representatives for the northernmost and southernmost reaches of Santa Cruz County, we believe the community conversation over the Rail Trail should be thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive.

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday reaffirmed its support for a paved path parallel to the train tracks through Capitola and Seacliff.

At a special meeting Thursday, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission could step toward takeover of a $68 million state grant awarded to Santa Cruz County to help construct the rail trail through Live Oak, Capitola and Seacliff.

The California Highway Patrol closed north and southbound lanes of Highway 1 in Soquel Saturday at 7pm to make way for Granite Construction crews to demolish the 1948 Capitola Avenue bridge above the highway.

Several dozen protesters descended on the Santa Cruz County Government Center on Wednesday to speak out against a decision by the Board of Supervisors a week earlier not to move forward on a key portion of the Coastal Rail Trail project.

For over 6 months, KSQD volunteer Christine Barrington worked on answering a simple question: What's the truth behind the story of rail and trail in Santa Cruz County?

A Santa Cruz County supervisors vote on Tuesday shocked county staff and left an uncertain future for the rail-trail project through Live Oak, Capitola and Seacliff.