Traffic Operations System/SAFE on 17
The Traffic Operations System (TOS) Committee and the Safe on 17 Task Force meet jointly twice a year to share information about traffic operation systems in Santa Cruz County, and transportation projects and collisions on Highway 17. Members represent the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC), the San Francisco Bay Area’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), local law enforcement and fire departments, legislators’ offices and the media.
Traffic Operations System
Santa Cruz County’s transportation system runs more efficiently and safely due to several Traffic Operation System (TOS) components that provide the public with important information including:
- Changeable Message Signs (CMS): displays messages about roadway conditions, incidents, and delays
- Dynamic Curve Warning Signs (in photo): broadcasts driver speeds and cautions drivers about safe speeds
- Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) Cameras: monitors incidents and conditions, and verifies messages on CMS and EMS
- Traffic Monitoring Stations: obtains information about traffic speeds and counts
The TOS components are operated at the Oakland Traffic Management Center (TMC) or the San Luis Obispo TMC. Santa Cruz County’s TOS elements were implemented through a cooperative effort between the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) and Caltrans. The TOS Fact Sheet provides additional information about this program.
*Due to precautions associated with COVID-19, all RTC and committee meetings will be held by teleconference until further notice. Members of the public can listen and participate in meetings over the phone and through the internet. All access information will be listed on the first page of the meeting agenda.
Safe on 17
The Highway 17 corridor was identified as a high collision corridor in 1998 as a result of collision data analysis and recommendations of local, regional, county and state agencies. A Task Force was formed to develop collision reducing strategies.
Safe on 17 strategies
- Extra enforcement adds to the number of CHP officers patrolling Highway 17. High CHP visibility serves to encourage safer driving and deter traffic violations. Added CHP enforcement is funded in part by Measure D.
- Road improvements include shoulder and lane widening, improved barriers and road drainage, additional warning devices, and tree trimming. These improvements increase vehicle control, increase the clear recovery area for vehicles, increase sight distances, advise motorists to be cautious and address wet weather collisions.
- Public education efforts increase driver awareness of safe driving practices, especially on mountainous highways and thus reduce collisions. Brochures, press releases and articles are examples of mechanisms for informing the public about safety on Highway 17.
The strategies listed above were implemented courtesy of a 3-year grant from the State Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). After the OTS grant expired, the SCCRTC and MTC agreed to continue funding enhanced CHP enforcement with funds from their Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). The 2019 Safe on 17 Annual Report and the Safe on 17 Fact Sheet provide additional information about this program.
HEAR ABOUT IT FIRST!
E-subscriptions are the best way to stay informed about latest RTC news and all of our projects and programs. Sign up to be notified of upcoming meeting agendas, workshops, outreach events, press releases, travel advisories, and more.
Meetings
The Safe on 17 Task Force/ Traffic Operations Systems Committee meets twice a year every 3rd Wednesday in March at the San Jose California Highway Patrol and every 3rd Wednesday in September at the RTC office to share information about transportation projects and collisions on Highway 17 and traffic operation systems in Santa Cruz County.
ADA Participation. The RTC is committed to its compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please contact the RTC at least 3 days in advance of a meeting if special accommodations are needed. If any document, webpage, meeting, or recording is inaccessible to you, kindly alert us at info@sccrtc.org or by calling 831-460-3200.
Participation
Guidelines for providing public input to the Commission either in person at meetings or via email or letters are included at the end of each Commission agenda. This section of the agenda also includes information about Spanish translation services and access for people with disabilities.
Transportation and Parking
As many meeting venues have limited parking for vehicles, participants are encouraged to carpool, or ride a bike or the bus to meetings. Transit trip planning assistance is available through Google Transit and via Santa Cruz Metro Customer Assistance 425-8600. Personalized trip planning for all modes is offered through Cruz511 or 429-POOL.
Subscribe to our Mailing List
Latest news and up-to-date info delivered to your inbox
Report a Hazard
Notify us of obstacles or hazards that may inhibit travel.
