State Route 1 Wildlife Crossing & Drainage Improvement Project
Project Description
This project is a long lead drainage restoration project located on State Route 1 in Santa Cruz County. The project proposes to improve and/or upgrade drainage systems which have deteriorated elements at nine locations. A multi-use wildlife passageway is planned at one location to restore habitat connectivity for a suite of native wildlife, including the endangered Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (SCLTS). The wildlife passage project is a collaborative effort between the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (RCDSCC), the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County (LTSCC), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
Project Benefits
Purpose
- The purpose of this project is to improve and restore several drainage systems that contain deteriorated elements and to ensure long-term efficiency and serviceability of the roadway, which will reduce the potential hazard of embankment failure.
- The addition of a wildlife passage will provide safe crossing opportunities for multiple native wildlife species and reconnect two subpopulations of SCLTS currently divided by State Route 1.
Need
- Existing drainage systems within the project limits contain deteriorated elements that need repair or replacement to maximize efficiency and maintainability, as well as reduce the potential hazard of embankment failure at some locations.
- Two subpopulations of the endangered SCLTS are currently separated by State Route 1, leading to genetic isolation. The project will benefit SCLTS and other wildlife by restoring safe movement across the landscape to suitable habitat and reducing vehicle-animal collisions.
Estimated Funding Breakdown
| Funding Source | Funding Amount |
|---|---|
| SHOPP | |
| Construction Capital Estimate | $9,382,000 |
| Right of Way Capital Estimate | $235,000 |
Partnerships
- Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (RCDSCC)
- Land Trust of Santa Cruz County (LTSCC)
- United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
Proposed Project Schedule
| Process | Date |
|---|---|
| Final environmental document to be completed | Fall 2028 |
| Design to be completed | Summer 2031 |
| Construction to begin | Winter 2031 |
| Construction to be completed | Winter 2033 |
Project Contact
Ryan Caldera, Project Manager
Phone: 805-458-8457
Email: ryan.caldera@dot.ca.gov
Dianna Beck, Senior Environmental Planner
Phone: 805-459-9406
Email: dianna.beck@dot.ca.gov
Public Information Office, Caltrans District 5
Phone: 805-549-3138
Email: info-d5@dot.ca.gov
Documents
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- Factsheet (PDF)
Title VI Information
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) assures that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and Federal Executive Order 12898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations).
Caltrans will make every effort to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether they are federally funded or not, and that services and benefits are fairly distributed to all people, regardless of race, color, or national origin. In addition, Caltrans will facilitate meaningful participation in the transportation planning process in a nondiscriminatory manner.