Bay and Hill St. Intersection Quick-Build

The City of Capitola implemented a quick-build safety enhancement project at the Bay Avenue and Hill Street intersection. This initiative focuses on improveing safety for all users of the intersection, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. This quick-build project is part of a larger corridor study examining intersections along Bay Avenue from Highway 1 to Capitola Village.

Recent Developments:

During the November 21, 2024, City Council meeting, staff was directed to:

1. Remove the current modifications and return to the previous lane configuration.
2. Evaluate alternative improvements to the intersection.

These alternatives will be presented to Council for consideration in early 2025. No changes will be made until Council confirms a new plan, which will be implemented in early spring 2025 as part of upcoming pavement projects.

Comprehensive Corridor Study:

The City is conducting a comprehensive corridor study of Bay Avenue, from the freeway to Monterey Avenue, to identify long-term improvements for the entire corridor, including the Bay Avenue and Hill Street intersection.

• Initial findings from this study will be presented to the City Council in early 2025.
• The process will include opportunities for public outreach and input as the study progresses.

Staff will provide an update on this project at the City Council meeting on November 21, 2024 at 6:00 pm. The public is welcome to attend and provide feedback. 

Key Changes Implemented During the Quick-Build Project:

• Reduced Travel Lanes: Two travel lanes have been removed to decrease congestion and reduce the number of vehicles entering the intersection simultaneously.
• Pedestrian Safety: Sidewalks have been extended with blue paint, shortening pedestrian crossing distances and minimizing the time spent in traffic paths.
• Bicycle Safety: New buffered bike lanes, marked with green paint, provide greater separation between cyclists and motor vehicles.

The City is open to feedback as these changes represent a significant shift in the intersection's design.

Project Updates:

• Construction Start: July 17, 202

• Bollard Installation: August 7, 2024

• Next Steps: Updates on alternatives and the corridor study will be brought to the City Council in early 2025.

Background information: 

• The Bay Avenue and Hill Street intersection is a key all-way stop connecting Highway 1 and Capitola Village, with frequent concerns about pedestrian safety due to heavy traffic.

• The City's FY 2023-24 budget allocated $50,000 for improvements at this intersection.

• In September 2023, an ad-hoc subcommittee was formed to explore short-term solutions and gather public feedback.

• In November 2023, the City amended its contract with Kimley Horn to develop quick-build traffic safety improvements and conduct updated traffic analysis for potential long-term enhancements.

• A community meeting in November 2023 highlighted safety concerns along the Bay Avenue corridor.

• Early in 2024, the City installed lighted stop signs, pole reflectors, and re-striped the crosswalk with reflective paint based on City Council direction.

• The initial analysis of long-term options for Bay Avenue is expected by late summer or early fall 2024.

• On February 22, 2024, the City Council approved the construction of the quick-build project at Bay Avenue and Hill Street.

Get Involved:

Public participation is crucial as the City evaluates alternatives and finalizes plans for long-term safety enhancements.These modifications are temporary measures aimed at assessing their effectiveness in enhancing safety at the intersection.

For inquiries, please email capitoladpw@ci.capitola.ca.us 

Visit our website for updates on the project.