Pajaro to Prunedale - G12 Corridor Study Approval

1. DETERMINE that approval of the Pajaro to Prunedale Corridor Study is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Resources Code Section 21102, and CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 (feasibility plans);
2. APPROVE the Pajaro to Prunedale Corridor Study as completed; and
3. AUTHORIZE staff to support the County of Monterey on implementing the next stages of project development and grant funding for the Pajaro to Prunedale corridor.

The Transportation Agency in partnership with the County of Monterey and Caltrans conducted a study of the G12 Corridor, extending from Pajaro to Prunedale, to identify improvements that will provide safer access to all modes of travel. The Corridor Study evaluated current and future travel patterns between the US101/ San Miguel Canyon Road Interchange in Prunedale, to the Highway 1/ Salinas Road Interchange, to the end of Main Street in Pajaro. The study explored the feasibility of affordable mid-term and long-term operational and safety improvements in context with other planned regional improvements, while retaining the unique character of the Elkhorn Slough.

The Corridor Study was financed with a $282,942 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning grant (federal funds) and matched with $36,658 County funds. The total study cost was $319,600.

The goal of the Pajaro to Prunedale Corridor Study is to facilitate critical multi-modal transportation improvements that will reduce congestion, improve safety and operations, support the regional economy, and protect the environment in North Monterey County. Once completed, this study will provide the data, analysis, and public deliberation necessary to make informed decisions on safety and operations projects that can be implemented over the next twenty years along San Miguel Canyon Road-Hall Road-Salinas Road (the G12 Corridor) between the Salinas and Pajaro Valleys. 

Dividing the corridor into six study project areas, the study evaluated and documented: traffic congestion; bike, pedestrian and vehicle collisions, injuries and fatalities; intersection operations; bicycle level of stress; and gaps in sidewalks or pedestrian crossings. Based on these conditions, various improvements are recommended to improve safety and traffic flow.

Transportation Agency staff will present the study analysis and recommendations.  Attached is a summary of the key recommendations for engineering improvements in the corridor. 

G12: Pajaro to Prunedale Corridor Study