If the one-lane traffic limit last summer on Hecker Pass was frustrating, expect it to be doubled this summer. While the Highway 152 construction continues, Highway 129 will also see slowdowns for the next nine months.
Caltrans is straightening out a curve on 129 past the Chittendon Underpass, for a half a mile at the Santa Cruz-San Benito county line (see our maps at Gilroydispatch.com).
Caltrans says that stretch has had crashes, both off the road and over the center line. The road will be moved 60 feet to eliminate a curve at a cost of $5 million. The construction will last from April to December, with the road completely closed for five days toward the end.
There will be traffic lights on it for most of the time between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays.
Caltrains suggests these detours:
Traffic on US 101 can take the San Juan Rd exit, turn right onto Aromas Rd, left on Rogge Lane, and left on SR 129. Traffic on eastbound SR 129 can turn right on Rogge Lane, right onto Aroma Road, and left on San Juan Road, and access US 101 via the San Juan Interchange.
 Or traffic on US 101 can take the San Juan Road exit, turn left on Tarpey Road, continue on San Miguel Canyon Road, continue on Hall Road, and continue on Porter Drive to SR 129. Traffic on eastbound SR 129 can turn right on Porter Dr, continue on Hall Road, continue on San Miguel Canyon Rd, continue on Tarpey Road, turn right on San Juan Road, and access US 101 via the San Juan Road interchange.
Meanwhile, 152 construction will continue through the year, widening and realigning the road in five places with a traffic signal cutting the road down to one lane.
