Work Begins On Cross Valley Connector

City to officially break ground January 26th.

It's been called the largest transportation project the city of Santa Clarita has ever undertaken. It offers a beacon of hope for frustrated motorists, who know too well the drawbacks to having only one way east and west across the city. The 8 ½ mile Cross Valley Connector is almost done.

 

Of course, the word "almost" must be taken in context, as the whole project has been designed, lobbied and constructed for nearly a decade. Now, the final piece of the major roadway is officially under construction, and should be open in one year.

 

The Cross Valley Connector consists of two currently separate roads; Golden Valley Rd. and Newhall Ranch Rd. Starting at the 14 freeway, Golden Valley Rd. runs over partially developed land in the middle of Canyon Country, through Centre Pointe   industrial and commercial centers and past the Santa Clarita Activities Center. There, it abruptly ends at the Santa Clara River and forces motorists to merge onto Soledad Canyon Rd.

 

The Santa Clara River provides the last obstacle for the roadway, and this final phase of construction will build a bridge over the riverbed, connecting Golden Valley Rd. to Newhall Ranch, where it runs past Bouquet all the way to Interstate 5.

 

Cars that use the Cross Valley Connector will benefit from the planning phase of the roadway, as it was meant to be used as a high volume main throughway. This will keep traffic lights to a minimum, and provide some room to expand the roadway if necessary.

 

Even though work has already begun, the city of Santa Clarita is planning an official ground breaking celebration for the last phase of the Cross Valley Connector on January 26th at 3:00 p.m. The event will be held at the intersection of Valley Center Drive and Golden Valley Rd.