Caltrans construction project concluded
After being closed for 40 days and 39 nights, Hecker Pass is open again.
The California Department of Transportation wrapped up work Friday on a shoulder-widening project on a half-mile portion of Highway 152, just west of the Santa Clara and Santa Cruz county line.
While the road was closed, drivers were routed to Highway 129 by detour signs posted in San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and counties.
The road remained open from the east summit, but the closure was a major headache for beachgoers, commuters, and students and administrators at Mt. Madonna School, located on Summit Road, which had to find alternate transportation for its Santa Cruz County students.
Christine White, Mt. Madonna’s director of operations, said the school spent more than $2,000 on a van service for about 75 students and fretted constantly about the dangers of increased traffic on the one-lane Mt. Madonna Road.
“It was very challenging and pretty costly,” White said. “There was a lot of nervousness about increased traffic on Mt. Madonna road. We had a few close calls but no accidents and we’re happy about that.”
The closure was also a problem for Hecker Pass businesses. Ann Steinlauf, nursery manager for the Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens, in Watsonville, said many people complained of the extra time it took to reach the nursery.
“It’s hard to say, but it must have hurt our business a little bit,” Steinlauf said. “People came in and said it took an extra-half hour to get to the nursery. It’s hard to know exactly, but I’m sure it disturbed a lot of people who had to detour.”
The work on the 0.4 mile stretch of 152 included the first hair pin turn on the western side of the hill. Its purpose was to improve safety on that portion of the highway by widening the existing traffic lanes and shoulders. No new lanes were added.
The $1.5-million project is part of the State Highway Operation and Protection Program, funded through the State Highway Account. Between seven and 15 oak trees were removed from the slope near the lower curve. A new, steeper slope has layers of natural soil elements reinforced with plastic mesh.
A concrete barrier, light brown to blend in with the environment, was constructed along the inside of the narrow curve. The existing guardrail was upgraded with dark-colored steel posts that will not have a shiny appearance to better blend in, according to Caltrans.
Native landscaping will be planted around the project, including oak trees and native grasses, such as Santa Cruz blue wild rye, California brome and meadow barley. Construction that does not require a closure will continue and should be complete next spring.
