Recently, the County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Division became aware that road improvements near the Soquel Drive/Trout Gulch Road area involved work along the Rail Corridor, an area of known concern due to its history of heavy industrial use.
Out of an abundance of caution, Environmental Health worked with the Department of Public Works to conduct soil sampling along and near the Rail Corridor. While the results are consistent
with the site's history as a rail and traffic corridor, some samples showed elevated levels of lead and arsenic.
Out of an abundance of caution, Environmental Health worked with the Department of Public Works to conduct soil sampling along and near the Rail Corridor. While the results are consistent
with the site's history as a rail and traffic corridor, some samples showed elevated levels of lead and arsenic.
The Department of Public Works is currently developing a Soil Management Plan for the safe removal and disposal of the soil. Unfortunately, work on this critical project is being held in abeyance while the Soil Management Plan is developed and approved. Environmental Health Director Dr. Arnold Leff has directed that the review be given high priority, and the Department of Public Works hopes to resume construction within weeks.
Once completed, the project will include crosswalks and a signalized intersection at Trout Gulch Road and Soquel Drive, which is expected to improve traffic flow during peak commute hours. The project also includes a new ADA-compliant bus stop along Soquel Drive, as well as new sidewalks and bike lanes along Trout Gulch Road.
Once completed, the project will include crosswalks and a signalized intersection at Trout Gulch Road and Soquel Drive, which is expected to improve traffic flow during peak commute hours. The project also includes a new ADA-compliant bus stop along Soquel Drive, as well as new sidewalks and bike lanes along Trout Gulch Road.
