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State Shield

State Route 9

Click here for a key to the symbols used. An explanation of acronyms may be found at the bottom of the page.


Routing Routing

Rte 9From Route 1 near Santa Cruz to Route 17 near Los Gatos via Waterman Gap and Saratoga Gap and along the ridge between the San Lorenzo and Pescadero Creeks.

Post 1964 Signage History Post 1964 Signage History

In 1963, this was defined to run "from Route 17 near Santa Cruz to Route 17 near Los Gatos via Waterman Gap and Saratoga Gap and along the ridge between the San Lorenzo and Pescadero Creeks." In 1981, Chapter 292 changed the western origin to Route 1 near Santa Cruz.

Pre 1964 Signage History Pre 1964 Signage History

This route consisted of two segments:

  1. The first segment ran between Santa Cruz and the present northern Route 9/Route 236 junction near Waterman Gap. This segment was LRN 116, and was added to the state highway system in 1933.
  2. The second segment ran between Route 236 and Route 17 in Los Gatos (through Saratoga). This segment was LRN 42. The portion between Route 236 and Saratoga Gap was added to the state highway system in 1913; the remainder of the segment from Saratoga Gap to Los Gatos was added in 1933.

In 1934, Route 9 was signed along the route from Santa Cruz to Milpitas via Redwood Park.

According to research by Tom Fearer, the original routing of Route 9 traveled west from Milpitas on Route 17 (nee Route 13) along LRN 113 via Alviso-Milpitas Road and 1st Street to Alviso. From Alviso, LRN 113 continued south on Gold Street and west to Mathilda Avenue.  The original alignment of LRN 113 is largely buried under the Route 237 freeway. LRN 113 was realigned out of Alviso by 1958. CA 9 then traveled south on LRN 114 via Mathilda Avenue to the El Camino Real/US 101 in Sunnyvale.  Route 9 on LRN 114 took an eastern jog on El Camino Real/US 101 before turning south on Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road.  Route 9 continued south LRN 114 via Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road to Big Basin Way in downtown Saratoga.  LRN 114 became the original alignment of Route 85 during the 1964 California Highway Renumbering.  Route 9 traveled west from Saratoga on LRN 42 to Big Basin State Park. LRN 42 and LRN 44 were developed off of preexisting logging roads.  LRN 42 and LRN 44 would become Route 236 during the 1964 State Highway Renumbering. Maps in 1940 begin to show Route 9 using LRN 116 to reach Route 1 in Santa Cruz.
(Source: Summarized from Gribblenation Blog "California State Route 9", August 2020)

1959 Routing of Rte 9Pre-1964 State Shield In Saratoga, the original signage of Route 9 diverged from the present signage. The signed Route 9, as LRN 114, proceeded North on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road into Sunnyvale via Mathilda Ave, thence to a jct with Alviso-Milpitas Road (currently signed as Route 237), and a junction with Bypass US-101 (LRN 68). It appears this segment was defined in 1933. On October 18, 1956, the Highway Commission adopted the routing for a future freeway location for Route 9 (now Route 85) from Bayshore Freeway north of Moffett Field, generally following Stevens Creek to an existing Route 9 location north of Azule near Saratoga. 

Rte 85 Azule to Mountain View RoutingIn 1956, public hearings were conducted for "Sign Route 9" (future Route 85) between Azula (Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road) and the Bayshore Freeway. Azule is located at the railroad crossing on Sign Route 9 between Saratoga and Cupertino. The proposed freeway (which is hard to map to present routings due to street changes and the orientation of the map) runs roughly along the lines of Stevens Creek and westerly of the present highway, just N of Moffett Field. As of 1956, Sign Route 9 (now Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road and Matilda Ave, as the state signage for Sign Route 9 in this area was dropped in the 1964 renumbering) met the Alviso-Mountain View Road (future Route 237) just S of Moffett Field.
(Source: 1956 Newspaper Article via Joel Windmiller, 2/13/2023)

Pre-1964 State Shield The route signed as Route 9 then proceeded on the current Route 237 alignment into Milpitas. This was LRN 113. It ran east as Route 237 to Route 17 (LRN 69; now I-880). Before the current bridge over the Guadalupe River was constructed, it took a route into Alviso via Gold Street north and 1st Street southwest back to current Route 237.

Between Milpitas and Warm Springs, Route 9 ran N along a LRN 69 (Route 17, now I-880) to present-day Route 262 near Warm Springs. This segment, as LRN 69, was added to the state highway system in 1933.

Near Warm Springs, Route 9 ran along the present-day Route 262 routing between Route 17 (present-day I-880) and Route 21 (present-day Route 680). This was part of LRN 5, defined in 1909.

Between the present-day Route 262/I-680 junction near Warm Springs and Irvington, Route 9 ran cosigned with Route 21 to Irvington, near Mission San Jose. This segment was LRN 5, and was added to the state highway system in 1909.

Near the mission (at Mission Blvd), Route 9 diverged, continuing signed as Route 9 (but still LRN 5) along what is now Route 238, ending at US 50 (present-day I-580). This was also added in 1909.

Status Status

Santa Cruz (Route 1) to Boulder Creek

PPNO 4658: Rt 1/9 Intersection Modifications (05-SCr-9, PM 0.0/0.2)

The 2018 STIP, approved at the CTC March 2018 meeting, appears to increase the allocation for PPNO 4658, Rt 1/9 Intersection modifications, from $329K to $2.853M. This project, on Route 1 from SCR 17.5/17.7 and Route 9 from SCR 0.0/0.2, is in the city of Santa Cruz, at the junction of Route 1 and Route 9. Construct turn lanes and bike lanes.

The 2020 STIP, approved at the CTC March 2020 meeting, retains the 2018 STIP programming.
(Source: March 2020 CTC Agenda, Item 4.7, 2020 STIP Adopted 3/25/2020)

In August 2020, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project is located in Santa Cruz County on Route 1 (05-SCr-1, PM 17.5/17.7) and Route 9 (05-SCr-9, PM 0.0/0.2) in the City of Santa Cruz. The project proposes to construct turn lanes and bike lanes. This project is fully funded and is currently programmed in the 2020 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for a total of $11,846,000 which includes Construction (capital and support) and Right of Way (capital and support) with Regional Improvement Program funds, federal and local dollars.
(Source: August 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item  2.2c.(1))

In August 2019, it was reported that new signs and crosswalk improvements, designed to keep pedestrians and cyclists safer and off Route 9 in Felton, have been installed. The signs provide direction for pedestrians and cyclists — including students at San Lorenzo Valley School District campus — through residential neighborhoods and into downtown Felton while avoiding Route 9. The issue has been an ongoing community concern due to heavy traffic and lack of infrastructure on Route 9. The new signage directs pedestrians and cyclists away from the busy roadway and over to Felton Empire Road, connecting them with Gushee Street (~ SCR 5.986 to SCR 6.448). The route is a lower-trafficked alternative to Route 9, which does not have bike lanes or complete sidewalks.
(Source: Scotts Valley Patch, 8/23/2019)

Route 9 Felton Safety Improvements Project - Kirby Street (~ SCR 6.343) to north of Fall Creek Drive (SCR 7.083)

In February 2023, it was reported that Caltrans has earmarked another $3.3 million so it can proceed with final designs and right-of-way components for the Route 9 Felton Safety Improvements Project. The money is coming from the SHOPP. The project is set to construct pedestrian and bicycle facilities to improve safety on Route 9 near Felton from Kirby Street (~ SCR 6.343) to north of Fall Creek Drive (SCR 7.083)—measures local residents say are desperately needed given the immense traffic on the route. New signs—possibly with flashing lights for pedestrian safety—are being considered for the area south of Graham Hill Road. Another is to be added near the place where a new sidewalk ends downtown Felton. Construction on the $8.5 million initiative is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025.
(Source: Press Banner, 2/3/2023)

In May 2023, it was reported that the draft of the traffic study that seeks to fix problems with this portion of Route 9 has been released, and the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is now seeking public feedback on the San Lorenzo Valley Schools Circulation and Access Study. The Highway 9/San Lorenzo Valley Complete Streets Corridor Plan was completed in 2019, after years of public meetings, focus groups and surveys. It’s supposed to be a guiding document to coordinate future transportation projects in the area. Then, in January 2022, the RTC, SLVUSD, Caltrans, METRO and the County decided to work together on an addition to the plan—to really zoom-in on necessary improvements along Route 9 from Graham Hill Road to the southern Glen Arbor Road intersection. The resulting study notes that between January 2015 and December 2019 there were 49 crashes—mostly things like rear-end collisions and sideswipes—in the studied area, including 11 between El Solyo Heights Drive and the San Lorenzo Valley High School driveway alone. It found 70% of students rely on personal vehicles to get to the Tri-Campus, followed by 24% who take METRO or SLVUSD buses and 6% who walk or use some sort of wheeled device. The study found 66% of people want sidewalks on the south side of Route 9, and 62% favored right-turn “pockets,” which make turning safer. Fifty-five percent would like to see sidewalks on Route 9’s northern side. Sixty percent want cycling infrastructure on the south side of Route 9, and 52% want cycling infrastructure on the north side of the Caltrans-managed roadway. The draft plan recommends southbound shoulder and sidewalk improvements from the high school driveway to Graham Hill Road (which is already part of the Caltrans Felton Safety Project) and a northbound continuous bike lane and shoulder from Graham Hill Road to Rockys Café. It also recommends developing a pathway between Fall Creek Drive and the high school. The plan suggests the removal of five to seven parking spaces south of the high school traffic signal to establish a student loading zone and restricting travel in the area between the high school and the elementary school parking lots to northbound traffic, to improve overall flow.
(Source: Press Banner, 5/19/2023)

San Lorenzo River Bridge No. 36-0052 / Kings Creek Bridge No. 36-0054 (PM 15.49) Replacement (05-Santa Cruz-9 PM 13.6/15.5)

Rte 9 San Lorenzo and Kings BridgesThe following project was included in the final adopted 2018 SHOPP in March 2018: PPNO 2655. 05-Santa Cruz-9 13.6/15.5. Route 9 Near Boulder Creek, at San Lorenzo River Bridge No. 36-0052 (PM SCR 13.61) and Kings Creek Bridge No. 36-0054 (PM SCR 15.49). Replace bridges to maintain standards of safety and reliability. Begin Con: 3/4/2022. Total Project Cost: $23,210.

The 2020 SHOPP, approved in May 2020, included the following Bridge Preservation item of interest (carried over from the 2018 SHOPP): 05-Santa Cruz-9 PM 13.6/15.5 PPNO 2655 Proj ID 0516000078 EA 1H470. Route 9 near Boulder Creek, at San Lorenzo River Bridge No. 36-0052 (PM 13.61) and Kings Creek Bridge No. 36-0054 (PM 15.49). Replace bridges to maintain standards of safety and reliability. Programmed in FY21-22, with construction scheduled to start in July 2022. Total project cost is $23,210K, with $12,588K being capital (const and right of way) and $10,622K being support (engineering, environmental, etc.).
(Source: 2020 Approved SHOPP a/o May 2020)

In March 2021, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding: 05-SCr-9, PM 13.6/15.5. San Lorenzo River Bridge and Kings Creek Bridge Replacement Project. Replace two bridges on Route 9 in Santa Cruz County. (MND) (PPNO 2655) (SHOPP). The project is located in Boulder Creek in Santa Cruz County. The Department proposes to replace the San Lorenzo River Bridge at post mile 13.6 and Kings Creek Bridge at post mile 15.5 on Route 9 in Santa Cruz County. This project is fully funded and programmed in the 2020 SHOPP for a total of $23,210,000 which includes Construction (capital and support) and Right of Way (capital and support). Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2022-2023. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2020 SHOPP. A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been completed.  The project will result in less than significant impacts to the environment after mitigation.  The following resource areas may be impacted by the project: biological resources.  Avoidance and minimization measures will reduce any potential effects on the environment. These measures include, but are not limited to, contract provisions for the cleanup of project-related hazardous materials spills and the establishment of environmentally sensitive area fencing for sensitive habitat.
(Source: March 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(1))

In March 2021, the CTC approved the following pre-construction SHOPP SB1 support phase allocation(s): (2b) #7. $2,884,000 (PS&E); $600,000 (R/W Sup; $888,000 programmed). 05-SCr-9 13.6/15.5. PPNO 05-2655; ProjID 0516000078; EA 1H470. Route 9 Near Boulder Creek, at San Lorenzo River Bridge No. 36-0052 (PM 13.61) and Kings Creek Bridge No. 36-0054 (PM 15.49).  Replace bridges to maintain standards of safety and reliability. (Concurrent consideration of funding under Resolution E-21-22; March 2021.)  (Nine month time extension for PS&E and R/W Sup approved under Waiver 20-31; June 2020.)  Prog year 21-22. Media reports indicated that this was a $2 million allocation, but the total was closer to $3.488 million, when PS&E and R/W sup costs are combined.
(Source: March 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2b) #7; Paso Robles Daily News, 3/26/2021)

In May 2021, the CTC amended this project in the SHOPP:  05-SCr-9 13.6, 15.5 PPNO 2655 ProjID 0516000078 EA 1H470. Route 9 Near Boulder Creek, at San Lorenzo River Bridge No. 36-0052 (PM 13.61) and Kings Creek Bridge No. 36-0054 (PM 15.49).  Replace bridges to maintain standards of safety and reliability. Amend to adjust costs. Increase construction capital ($11,928K → $16,165K) because of necessary additional roadway replacement, increased clearing and tree removal, a temporary creek diversion, and an increase in cast-in-drilled-hole piles. Revised total: $27,447K.
(Source: May 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1d) #28)

In June 2021, the CTC amended this project in the 2020 SHOPP: 05-SCr-9 13.6 PPNO 2655 ProjID 0516000078 EA 05-1H470. Route 9 Near Boulder Creek, at San Lorenzo River Bridge No. 36-0052 (PM 13.61) and Kings Creek Bridge No. 36-0054 (PM 15.49). Replace bridges to maintain standards of safety and reliability. Note: Increase construction capital because it has been determined that the girders are too large and heavy to transport as one unit and will instead need to be shipped and spliced onsite, at higher cost. Const Cap $16,165K $17,765K; Total $27,447K  $29,047K.
(Source: June 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1d) #35)

Boulder Creek to Route 35

No items of interest.

Route 35 to Route 17 near Rinconada

In March 2017, the CTC amended the SHOPP to include almost $12M in funding on Route 9 near Saratoga, from Santa Cruz County line to Sanborn Road (4-SCl-9 0.0/4.8). Remove slide debris, repair roadway, and establish safe working conditions of failed slope to initiate geotechnical investigations.

Saratoga Creek Bridge (04-SCl-9, PM 4.75/4.9)

Rte 9 Saratoga Creek BridgeThe following project was included in the final adopted 2018 SHOPP in March 2018: PPNO 0386F. 04-Santa Clara-9 4.9. Route 9 Near Saratoga, at Saratoga Creek Bridge No. 37-0074. Replace bridge. Begin Con: 10/19/2020. Total Project Cost: $24,569K.

In May 2019, the CTC approved the following SHOPP Amendment: 04-SCl-9 4.9 PPNO 0386F. ProjID 0412000409. Route 9 Near Saratoga, at Saratoga Creek Bridge No. 37-0074. Replace bridge. Delay construction completion to FY21-22. Note: The delivery of the project is delayed by two years due to complex right of way acquisition of multiple properties. Also, due to the historical aspect of the bridge, additional outreach was required, resulting in the need to develop a range of design options.
(May 2019 Agenda Item 2.1a.(1) Amend Item 26)

In March 2020, the CTC approved the following project for future consideration of funding: Route 9 (04-SCl-9, PM 4.75/4.9) in Santa Clara County. Construct a new bridge within the existing bridge or replace it to address seismic and structural concerns in Santa Clara County. (PPNO 0386F) This project is located near the City of Saratoga in Santa Clara County and proposes to address seismic and structural concerns for the Saratoga Creek Bridge on Route 9 in Santa Clara County at PM SCL 4.85, near the intersection of Route 9 and Sanborn Road. The project proposes to construct a new bridge within the existing bridge or replace the existing bridge with a new bridge. This project is fully funded and currently programmed in the 2018 State Highway Operation Protection Program (SHOPP) for a total of $28,173,000 which includes Construction (capital and support) and Right of Way (capital and support). Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2022-2023. The CTC also approved the following financial allocation: 04-SCI-9 PM 4.9 PPNO 0386F. ProjID 0412000409. EA 3G630. Route 9 near Saratoga, at Saratoga Creek Bridge No. 37-0074. Replace bridge. (Concurrent consideration of funding under Resolution E-20-22; March 2020.) (Concurrent Amendment under SHOPP Amendment 18H-015; March 2020.) (Nine month time extension for PS&E and R/W Sup approved under Waiver 19-29; June 2019.) Financial allocation: PS&E $4,200,000 R/W Sup $1,200,000
(March 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(5), 2.5b.(2b) #10)

The 2020 SHOPP, approved in May 2020, included the following Bridge Preservation item of interest (carried over from the 2018 SHOPP): 04-Santa Clara-9 PM 4.9 PPNO 0386F Proj ID 0412000409 EA 3G630. Route 9 near Saratoga, at Saratoga Creek Bridge No. 37-0074. Replace bridge. Programmed in FY21-22, with construction scheduled to start in October 2022. Total project cost is $35,843K, with $24,543K being capital (const and right of way) and $11,300K being support (engineering, environmental, etc.).
(Source: 2020 Approved SHOPP a/o May 2020)

In October 2022, the CTC amended the SHOPP as follows: 04-SCl-9 4.9. PPNO 04-0386F; ProjID 0412000409; EA 3G630. Route 9 Near Saratoga, at Saratoga Creek Bridge № 37-0074. Replace bridge. This is a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) project. Allocation Changes ($ × 1,000): Const Cap: $15,432 ⇨ $13,402; Total $35,843 ⇨ $33,813. Note: Split project EA 3G630/PPNO 04-0386F into three mitigation project EAs 3G631/PPNO 04-2914W, 3G632/PPNO 04-2914X, and 3G633/PPNO 04-2914Y.  Update description to include CMGC as the new recommended delivery method.
(Source: October 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1d) #10)

In October 2022, the CTC approved the following construction phase allocation: $17,742,000. 04-SCl-9 4.9. PPNO 04-0386F; ProjID 0412000409; EA 3G630. Route 9 Near Saratoga, at Saratoga Creek Bridge № 37-0074. Outcome/Output: Replace bridge. This is a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) project. Programmed Allocation:CON ENG $3,100,000; CONST $13,402,000. CEQA - EIR, 1/28/2020; Re-validation 8/15/2022. NEPA - FONSI, 1/28/2020; Re-validation 8/15/2022. Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-20-22; March 2020. Four month time extension for CONST and CON ENG approved under Waiver 22-73; June 2022. Concurrent Amendment under SHOPP Amendment 22H-004; October 2022.
(Source: October 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(1) #4)

In December 2022, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding the following project for which a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and an Addendum have been completed: Route 9 in Santa Clara County (04-SCl-9, PM 4.75/4.9). Road deck will be widened eight feet to meet design standards of bridge safety, on SR 9, in Santa Clara County. (PPNO 04-0386F). This project is located near the City of Saratoga, in Santa Clara County, and proposes to address seismic and structural concerns for the Saratoga Creek Bridge on Route 9, in Santa Clara County at postmile 4.85, near the intersection of Route 9 and Sanborn Road.  The project proposes to replace the existing bridge with a new bridge. This project is fully funded and currently programmed in the 2022 SHOPP for a total of $33,813,000. Construction will begin in 2022-23. Three mitigation projects have been split from this project – EA 3G631/PPNO 04-2914W, programmed for $500,000, EA 3G632/PPNO 04-2914X, programmed for $290,000, and EA 3G633/PPNO 04-2914Y, programmed for $1,240,000. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2022 SHOPP. A FEIR was prepared because of potential biological resource impacts. A copy of the FEIR has been provided to Commission staff. The Commission approved the project for future consideration of funding on March 25, 2020, under Resolution E-20-22. During the design phase the impact footprint was reduced, and the riparian area was redefined in coordination with CDFW. The Department subsequently completed an Addendum to the FEIR pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. The Department has approved this project for construction. This approval and the Addendum satisfy the environmental requirements for this stage of the planning process.
(Source: December 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(8))

In February 2023, it was reported that Caltrans is building a new Saratoga Creek bridge after an investigation revealed seismic and structural concerns. The bridge will be closed during construction, which is expected to start in March 2023.  The bridge is located on Highway 9 at mile marker 4.9, between Saratoga in Santa Clara County and Felton in Santa Cruz County. The construction project will replace the existing bridge, though the new bridge will retain the outer, visible portion of the stone bridge. The project is expected to wrap up by December 2023.
(Source: Mercury News, 2/8/2023)

In December 2018, the CTC amended the SHOPP to include 05-SCr-9. PM 10.8. PPNO 2847. Project ID 0518000115. Route 9 Near Brookdale, south of Western Avenue. Construct side hill viaduct extension with cutoff retaining wall, restore roadway and facilities, and install permanent erosion control. Construction start: 10/27/2021. Total est. cost: $6,910,000.
(Source: December 2018 CTC Minutes, Agenda Item 2.1a(1) Item 9)

In August 2011, the CTC approved $479,000 in SHOPP funding to stabilize and repair slope at four locations in Saratoga, from Skyline Boulevard (~ 009 SCL 0.026) to Toll Gate Road (~ 009 SCL 6.678), damaged by heavy rainfall.

In June 2011, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project that will make safety upgrades on Route 9 from 2.5 miles north of Route 35 (~ 009 SCL 2.5) to 6th Street, near Saratoga (~ 006 SCL 7.099). The project is not fully funded. The project is programmed in the 2010 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. Total estimated project cost is $13,427,000 for capital and support. The scope as described for the preferred alternative is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2010 State Highway Operation and Protection Program.

In May 2016, the CTC approved additional SHOPP funding on Route 9 near Saratoga, PM 4.9, at Saratoga Creek Bridge No. 37-0074. Replace bridge. The age of the existing bridge at this location makes it eligible for the National and California historic registers. The two alternatives in the Project Initiation Document (PID) have been expanded to six alternatives during the PA&ED phase and has led to an increase in support for that phase. A change in the project schedule is necessary due to the expanded alternatives in the environmental document, public input and right-of-way acquisition efforts for multiple properties, including a private picnic and campground resort adjacent to the existing bridge. These changes add $1,600,000 to the cost of the project.

In July 2005, the CTC considered relinquishment of right of way in the City of Saratoga, between Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and 0.13 kilometer west of Sixth Street ( 4-SCl-9-KP 11.3/11.9, PM 7.02/7.39), consisting of nonmotorized transportation facilities, namely sidewalks.

In February 2017, it was reported that the first three phases of the Highway 9 Pedestrian/Bicycle Improvement Project are complete and the fourth phase was set to begin. Phase four of the Route 9 project involves pedestrian improvements from Fruitvale Avenue (~ 009 SCL 8.853) to El Camino Grande (~ 009 SCL 9.266) in Saratoga, and from Daves Avenue (~ 009 SCL 10.002) to Greenwood Road (~ 009 SCL 10.238) in Monte Sereno. Phase four is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
(Source: Mercury News, 2/23/2017)

In August 2018, it was reported that plans recently approved unanimously by the Los Gatos Town Council call for a $112,000 LED flashing beacon to be installed at the intersection of Route 9 and Massol Ave (SCL 10.884). The crosswalk currently has a round beacon that can be triggered by pedestrians or bicyclists, but the flashing beacon is rectangular, resembling the emergency flashers on police cars. The intersection will also be getting green bike lanes. Sixteen accidents were reported at the Route 9/Massol intersection between 2013 and 2017, half of which resulted in injuries, a recently-completed Route 9 safety and traffic study shows. The traffic study looked at alternatives to the flashing beacon, including a stop light and a HAWK system. HAWKs use double red signals and one yellow signal to grab drivers’ attention. A HAWK installation could cost about $476,000, but would likely need a federal grant to pay for it. With no guarantee the grant would be approved, that idea was shelved. A stoplight could cost approximately $722,000 and would likely cause unacceptable traffic delays. The Los Gatos Town Council also considered adding a raised crosswalk to the intersection that would ramp the crosswalk up to sidewalk level. But there was concern that bicyclists going as fast as 30 mph could be “launched” into the air when they hit the elevated section, so that option was tabled and will be considered later. Funding for the flashing beacon has not been approved, but the Town Council will likely do that in February during its mid-year budget review. Design and construction of the new crosswalk will take another six months.
(Source: Mercury News, 8/29/2018)

Scenic Route Scenic Route

[SHC 263.3] From Route 1 near Santa Cruz to Route 236 near Boulder Creek; and from Route 236 near Boulder Creek to Route 236 near Waterman Gap; and from Route 236 near Waterman Gap to Route 35; and from Saratoga to Route 17 near Los Gatos; and from Blaney Plaza in Saratoga to Route 35.

Interregional Route Interregional Route

[SHC 164.10] Between the north urban limits of Santa Cruz and the south urban limits of San Jose.

Other WWW Links Other WWW Links

Interstate Submissions Interstate Submissions

In November 1957, the California Department of Highways proposed the designation I-9 for what is now I-405.

Statistics Statistics

Overall statistics for Route 9:

Pre-1964 Legislative Route Pre-1964 Legislative Route

The route that would become LRN 9 was defined in the first set of highway bonds in 1909, with a rough routing of "San Fernando to San Bernardino". It was extended in 1933 to run to [LRN 2] (US 101) near Montalvo. By 1935, it was codified in the highway code as:

  1. [LRN 2] near Montalvo to [LRN 4] near San Fernando
  2. San Fernando to San Bernardino

Only the first segment was a primary route.

In 1957, Chapter 1911 changed the west end of the first segment from [LRN 2] (US 101) near Montalvo to [LRN 79] (Route 126) near Saticoy, and replaced San Fernando with "near San Fernando" in the second segment.

The signage for LRN 9 was as follows:

  1. From LRN 79 near Saticoy to LRN 4 near San Fernando.

    This segment was signed as Route 118.

  2. From near San Fernando to San Bernardino.

    This routing was signed as Route 118. At some point, the signage as Route 118 terminated, and the remainder of the route between Pasadena and San Bernardino was signed as US 66. The routing of LRN 9 (US 66) through Pasadena was: right on Shamrock Ave. in Monrovia, left on Foothill Blvd. through Arcadia into Pasadena, left on Santa Anita Ave. right on Colorado Street and left on Fair Oaks Ave.

    LRN 9 later applied to the routing of what is now I-210 between Pasadena (the Route 134/I-210 junction) to Route 30.


Acronyms and Explanations:


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