City of Santa Cruz approves 5 year West Cliff Drive roadmap

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Santa Cruz City Council has unanimously approved a 5-year road map for West Cliff Drive today. 

This has been in the works since sections of the iconic coastal road were hit during the January 2023 storm, causing portions of the road to fail along with other damages.

The plan identifies five priority projects. However, the city says the unpredictability of its dynamic coastline may impact its ability to advance the projects or may require the city to reassess priorities in the future. 

The 5-year roadmap is the first step towards the city's goal of developing a 50-year vision for West Cliff Drive. 

The priorities include a revetment restoration project from mid-2025 through 2030.

Relocation of the lighthouse field roadway from mid-2025 and ending in 2027.

The third priority is a Santa Cruz coastal change monitoring network that would start in mid-2025 and go on indefinitely.

A West Cliff infrastructure financing feasibility study will be conducted from 2027 to 2028.

And lastly, a corridor-wide master signage plan and design standards from 2025 through 2028.