The Coastal Rail Trail between Bay and Beach streets was completed in 2025 after nearly two years and $4 million in setbacks due to rain and unexpected conditions. (Nik Altenberg — Santa Cruz Local)

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY >> As the county’s population grows, climate change intensifies and federal funding becomes less predictable, regional transportation planners are seeking residents’ feedback on a roadmap for transportation projects in Santa Cruz County through 2050. 

The Regional Transportation Plan, which is state-mandated and updated every four years, seeks to outline transportation challenges and develop strategies to alleviate them. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and traffic fatalities are listed as top priorities, as well as fixing crumbling roads and protecting infrastructure from coastal erosion and other climate impacts.

More than 600 projects are included in a draft project list including new highway carpool lanes, sidewalk improvements, paratransit expansion, completing the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail concept report, vanpools and many more. 

The projects total more than $14 billion in estimated cost — close to $9 billion of which is unfunded. The transportation plan is an essential step towards securing state and federal dollars to complete projects, according to a Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission staff report. 

The regional transportation commission is asking for residents’ feedback on the draft plan by Jan. 30. Comments can be emailed to [email protected].

A presentation of the draft plan is included in a commission meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Watsonville City Council Chambers, 275 Main St., top floor, Watsonville and on Zoom.

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