‘River Street And Water Street Overlay Project’ Receives American Public Works Association Award In Santa Cruz

Press release from the City of Santa Cruz:

January 27, 2021

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The City of Santa Cruz River Street and Water Street Overlay Project has been recognized with a 2021 Award of Merit for Transportation Projects Less than $5 Million by the American Public Works Association, Monterey Bay Chapter. Public Works Department Assistant Director Chris Schneiter and the department’s engineering team were presented with the award at a virtual ceremony today.

The River Street and Water Street Overlay Project, constructed from March to May 2020, rehabilitated severely ailing pavement in two active central City commuter locations: River Street from Madrone Street to Water Street and Water Street from River Street to N. Branciforte Avenue. The project has improved commuting and business access along these busy transportation corridors.

With careful budget management, green bike lanes on River Street and green protected buffered bike lanes on Water Street with bollards and bike boxes were added to the project supporting safer and greater active and sustainable transportation.

The bike lane buffers have also improved safety for pedestrians as they create more distance between motor vehicles. The project also improved curb ramps on both River and Water streets benefitting wheelchair users and pedestrians with strollers.

Judging criteria for the 13 APWA Monterey Bay Chapter submitted projects included creative use of municipal resources, equipment, labor, or funds that produced measurable benefits to the community.

The total cost for the River Street and Water Street Overlay Project of $2,061,187 was fully paid for with Measures H, Gas Tax and SB-1 tax dollars, plus State Transportation Improvement Program funds.

This press release was produced by the City of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.