SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. — October 29, 2026. Caltrans has scheduled one-way traffic control on Highway 9 near Shingle Mill Road for Thursday, October 29, while crews repair a guardrail.

The announced work window is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drivers traveling in either direction should be prepared for traffic to alternate through the repair area, with delays of up to five minutes under the agency’s original schedule.

Where is the work taking place?

The traffic-control zone is on State Route 9 near Shingle Mill Road in Santa Cruz County. Caltrans says signs will alert motorists approaching the work area. The repair is a separate job from other Highway 9 projects in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and readers should not confuse this short daytime restriction with the longer daytime closures announced for the following week near Santa Cruz.

What drivers should know today

  • Road: State Route 9 near Shingle Mill Road, Santa Cruz County.
  • Scheduled date: Thursday, October 29, 2026.
  • Hours: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., according to Caltrans’ October 26 notice.
  • Traffic pattern: alternating one-way traffic in both travel directions.
  • Possible delay: up to five minutes in the original announcement.

The announcement describes planned maintenance, not an independently confirmed live closure at every moment in the five-hour window. Actual work can be delayed, shortened or rescheduled. Before driving, especially for a time-sensitive trip or medical appointment, check Caltrans QuickMap and obey directions from crews at the site.

Safety around road crews

On narrow mountain routes, a brief traffic backup can affect drivers around bends with limited sight distance. Reduce speed when warning signs appear, avoid passing stopped vehicles, and allow extra space around workers and equipment.

Motorists should also remember that Highway 9 serves local residents, schools, small businesses and visitors, not just through traffic. A few minutes of additional travel time may be preferable to rushing through an active repair zone.

Source: Caltrans District 5, October 26, 2026: Highway 9 guardrail repair near Shingle Mill Road.

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