Felton News: October 22 Highway 9 Sidewalk Town Hall Offers Residents a Say on Pedestrian Safety

Featured photo: wooded roadway by Taisia Karaseva / Unsplash. Illustrative only; not the Highway 9 sidewalk construction or the October 22 meeting.

FELTON NEWS | SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — OCTOBER 18, 2026. People who walk or drive along Highway 9 in Felton have a chance this week to hear directly from transportation officials about a long-awaited pedestrian safety project. A community town hall is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the San Lorenzo Valley High School Performing Arts Center, 7105 Highway 9, Felton.

Why is the town hall being held?

The meeting focuses on Caltrans’ State Route 9 Felton Safety Improvements Project, frequently called the local sidewalk project. The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) says the work will add a sidewalk linking the San Lorenzo Valley schools complex and the Graham Hill Road intersection. Its purpose is to create a safer route for students, families and other pedestrians along a corridor that has historically required walking close to traffic.

What residents will hear

According to RTC, Caltrans representatives will describe the project’s history, goals, current status and upcoming work schedule. They will also offer a general overview of other Highway 9 improvements planned or underway in the San Lorenzo Valley. Representatives of the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District and RTC will take part in the discussion.

Can the public ask questions?

Yes. RTC says attendees can ask questions during an in-person Q&A and speak directly with representatives at an information table. The meeting is hosted through Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez’s office. Light refreshments are planned, according to the public announcement.

What if you cannot attend?

The transportation commission says a Facebook livestream is planned on Supervisor Martinez’s page and a recording should be available afterward. However, the live Q&A will be limited to people present in the room. Anyone seeking an official answer to a specific property-access or construction-impact question should contact the organizer rather than assuming comments online will receive a response.

Current work and traffic impacts

Caltrans reports construction near the Graham Hill Road area, including a temporary concrete barrier that restricts a southbound lane while workers build sidewalks and a retaining wall. It said the barrier could remain through February 2027, subject to progress. During the week of October 19, crews also scheduled an early-morning concrete pour and work between Clearview Road and north of Fall Creek Drive. These construction impacts are distinct from the town hall, which is not itself a roadway closure.

Questions worth bringing

How will pedestrians reach schools safely during construction?
When are sidewalk segments, crossings and bikeable shoulders expected to open?
How will crews maintain driveway and business access?
Which temporary lane restrictions remain in effect, and how are students protected?
Where can residents see the final drawings and future public updates?

For the official event details, visit Santa Cruz County RTC’s announcement. For organizer questions, RTC lists Fifth.District@santacruzcountyca.gov and 831-454-2200. See also Caltrans’ October 19–23 Highway 9 work schedule.

For additional Highway 9 construction coverage in the San Lorenzo Valley, see California58’s Boulder Creek bridge and roadwork guide for October 19–23. The bridge replacements and the Felton sidewalk program are distinct projects.

What changes for Felton? The meeting provides a defined opportunity to question agencies while work is still underway. Long-term, the project aims to improve a key walking link between downtown Felton and area schools.

Primary sources: Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, October 2026; Caltrans District 5, October 15. Meeting details can change; California58 has not claimed to have attended.

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