Cliff Drive Resiliency Project

The City of Capitola is advancing the Cliff Drive Resiliency Project to combat severe coastal bluff erosion along an 800-foot stretch of Cliff Drive between Portola Drive and Wharf Road, where decades of erosion have threatened road integrity and public safety. Rising sea levels and more intense storms driven by climate change are accelerating the degradation, making this project critical to preserving a vital transportation corridor that carries nearly 8,000 vehicles daily and serves as the primary evacuation route for Capitola Village. The project will stabilize the bluff with a soil-nail-anchored shotcrete wall and install rock protection at its base, while upgrading the roadway to include two travel lanes, dedicated parking, and a protected bike lane. These improvements aim to enhance safety by addressing the current lack of sidewalks, which has led to dangerous interactions between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists using the road to access ocean views. Beyond infrastructure, the project seeks long-term resilience against climate-driven coastal retreat, ensuring Cliff Drive remains functional and safe for generations. The roadway, classified as a minor arterial, supports not only local traffic but also significant foot and bicycle traffic, underscoring its role as both a transportation link and community amenity. The City of Capitola’s Public Works Department is leading the initiative, with Jessica Kahn, Public Works Director, as the primary point of contact, and Richard Grassetti of GECONs serving as principal advisor. The project is publicly forecasted with a posted date of July 24, 2026, and is expected to proceed under the regulatory framework for infrastructure projects in California, with performance occurring in Capitola under ZIP code 95010.