Documents

Background

Funded with a Caltrans Sustainable Communities Transportation Planning Grant, the SR 68 Scenic Highway  Plan evaluates current and future travel patterns between Salinas and the Monterey Peninsula, the feasibility of affordable mid-term operational and capacity improvements in the SR 68 corridor in context to other planning regional improvements serving the same commute market, and the potential for wildlife connectivity enhancements.

Work on this plan started in December of 2015 and was completed in August of 2017.

Goals

Improve safety, access, operations, and wildlife connectivity, while reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Recommended Concept

• Convert as many as 11 intersections to roundabout control between Salinas and Monterey
• Restrict left turns out of side streets and driveways, to improve safety
• Improve access at Laguna Seca/SPCA area, via striping then roundabout access
• Evaluate widening between Corral de Tierra and San Benancio Road roundabout
• Install Dynamic Speed Feedback Signs and Intersection Warning Signs
• Construct wildlife connectivity improvements

Funding Sources

The project has $50 Million dedicated to it in Measure X funds and is an excellent candidate for federal infrastructure funding, as well as state funding from SB 1 programs:  Solutions for Congested Corridors, State-Local Partnership and State Highway Operations and Protection Program funds for culverts/wildlife corridors.

Timeline

The project is currently in environmental review. After environmental review, design, and right-of-way phases are complete, project delivery is estimated within 10 years, with segments constructed in phases over time.

Doug Bilse is the Transportation Agency for Monterey County’s Principal Transportation Engineer. If you have any questions, you can reach him at (831) 775-4413, or via email at: doug@tamcmonterey.org.