After being closed for 40 days, Hecker Pass is open again.
Gilroy – After being closed for 40 days, Hecker Pass is open again.
Friday, the California Department of Transportation wrapped up a shoulder-widening project on a half-mile portion of U.S. 152 just west of the Santa Clara and Santa Cruz county line.
The road remained open to the summit, but the closure was a major headache for beachgoers, commuters, and students and administrators at Mt. Madonna School, located on Summit Road, which had to find alternate transportation for its Santa Cruz County students.
While the road was closed, drivers were routed to Highway 129 by detour signs posted in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.
Work was performed on 0.4 mile stretch of 152 just past the summit, and includes the first hair-pin turn on the western side of the hill. Its purpose was to improve safety on that portion of the highway by widening the existing traffic lanes and shoulders.
The $1.5-million project is part of the State Highway Operation and Protection Program, funded through the State Highway Account.
