Santa Cruz Highway 9 to Close During Daytime November 2–6: Detours via Highway 17 or Graham Hill Road

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — A stretch of Highway 9 near the southern end of the route is scheduled to close completely during daytime hours from Monday, November 2, through Friday, November 6, 2026. Caltrans District 5 says the work will prepare the corridor for winter weather and will require motorists to use alternate roads.

Closure hours and location

The announced closure runs 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each weekday between post miles 0.80 and 4.45. Caltrans identifies Glengarry Road and Paradise Park as nearby cross streets at opposite ends of the affected area.

Drivers should plan around a full road closure rather than expecting a flagger-controlled single lane. Caltrans names Highway 17 and Graham Hill Road as available detour routes and says directional signs will be posted. Emergency responders will retain access.

Work scheduled before winter

Crews plan to clear drains and ditches, repair shoulders and remove hazardous trees. According to the October 27 Caltrans announcement, the work is expected to finish by Friday evening, November 6. That is a planned completion date, not a guarantee; weather and field conditions may affect the schedule.

For residents, school trips, service appointments and commuters traveling between Santa Cruz and the San Lorenzo Valley, the disruption could be significant. Consider checking the route before leaving rather than assuming a familiar connection along Highway 9 remains open.

Where to find updates

Consult Caltrans QuickMap for live conditions and the state Highway 9 road-status page for the latest reported restrictions. The planned November closure is separate from other Highway 9 bridge and sidewalk projects already reported in the county.

Official source: Caltrans District 5, October 27, 2026 — Full daytime Highway 9 closure announcement.

California58 Santa Cruz transportation report, checked October 28, 2026. Closure schedules may change; check the official road-status tools before traveling.

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