Highway 1/9 Intersection Improvement Project - Fact Sheet Highway 1/9 Intersection Improvements The Highway1/9 Intersection has been an ongoing problematic intersection affecting traffic operations throughout the City as the north gateway to Santa Cruz County. The City, in collaboration with Caltrans, has developed an improvement plan for the intersection. The proposed improvements that will be constructed this year include the following: Widen the section of Highway 9 (River Street ) between Highway 1 and Fern Street to create a second northbound lane and to provide triple left turn lanes southbound as vehicles leave Harvey West Area heading south on Highway 1. Provide green bike lanes on Highway 9 and River Street, and upgraded pedestrian access ramps and crosswalks. Widen the section of River Street near the Gateway Shopping Center to create two right- turn lanes, one through lane, and one shared through/left-turn lane. This will ease traffic flow from downtown to the Harvey West Area and in the southbound direction on Highway 1 Add a second left turn lane from Highway 1 (southbound direction) onto Highway 9 (River Street). This will ease the flow of traffic from the Westside of Santa Cruz as it travels southbound Highway 1. Traffic in this direction now uses the single lane left turn lane to enter the Harvey West Area. Add a right turn line on Highway 9 (River Street) at its intersection with Encinal Street. This will ease the flow of traffic heading up River Street (northbound direction) and turning into the Tannery Arts Center. The project has received all necessary approvals and funding to construct the project starting in April/May 2021 and continuing into early 2022. The cost of construction is estimated at approximately $6 million and funding comes from local developer fees, gas tax and State/Federal grants. Project Area Map Highway 1/9 Intersection .