Glen Arbor Walkway

Creating a Safer Connection to Downtown Ben Lomond

For more than a decade, Ben Lomond residents have advocated for a safer way to walk along Glen Arbor Road. Existing sidewalks near Highway 9 end approximately 100 feet east of the intersection, leaving pedestrians to walk along the roadside—or directly in the vehicle travel lane—to reach homes and destinations farther along Glen Arbor.

The proposed Glen Arbor Walkway would extend the existing sidewalk approximately 1,100 feet along the north side of Glen Arbor Road, from Highway 9 to Pine Street. A future phase could continue the connection from Pine Street to Newell Creek.

The project would help residents of all ages and abilities walk more safely to downtown Ben Lomond, the library, County Park, local businesses, restaurants and nearby transit stops.

Why the Walkway Is Needed

Glen Arbor Road is an important neighborhood route, but much of it lacks a designated place for people to walk. Pedestrians currently share the roadway with vehicles traveling along a posted 30-mph route. Tree cover, shadows, curves and limited roadside space can further reduce visibility.

A dedicated walkway would:

  • Separate pedestrians from vehicle traffic.
  • Create a safer route for children, families, older adults and people with mobility needs.
  • Fill an important gap in Ben Lomond’s existing sidewalk network.
  • Improve walking access to downtown businesses and community destinations.
  • Make it more practical for residents to walk instead of drive for shorter trips.

A Longstanding Community Priority

The Glen Arbor Walkway has been identified as a pedestrian-safety priority since 2013. It was later incorporated into the County of Santa Cruz Active Transportation Plan and the regional long-range transportation plan.

In 2023, approximately $2.1 million in regional grant funding was awarded to support the project. However, the County’s project estimate was approximately $4.1 million, and rising construction costs have contributed to a continuing funding gap.

The Ben Lomond Village Alliance’s Better Streets Committee is renewing community advocacy for the project and working with County representatives to better understand the available options, funding needs and next steps.

Where the Project Stands

The project is not yet fully funded, designed or approved for construction. Before it can move forward, the County will need to complete planning and engineering work that may include:

  • Surveying and conceptual design
  • Grading and drainage analysis
  • Right-of-way review
  • Environmental review
  • Evaluation of trees along the proposed alignment
  • Plans, specifications and cost estimates
  • Identification of additional funding

The purpose of BLVA’s current effort is to help maintain momentum, gather community input and advocate for a feasible solution—not to promote a finalized design.

Share Your Feedback

The Ben Lomond Village Alliance Better Streets Committee and Santa Cruz County are gathering community input about walking conditions along Glen Arbor Road between Highway 9 and Pine Street. Your experiences and observations will help identify community needs, safety concerns and priorities as the County considers the future of this route.

Take the Survey