Two construction projects along Highway 1 in Marina lead to challenges for cyclists.

A highly visible stretch of dunes west of Highway 1 between Marina and Seaside is getting a makeover, with two projects under construction simultaneously. That work is leading to delays and reroutes for both drivers and bicyclists.

One project is California State Parks’ new campground at Fort Ord Dunes State Park at the northern end of the project site. The other is the five-mile SURF! busway developed by Monterey-Salinas Transit, parallel to Highway 1.

Both projects are happening at the same time after facing different challenges, such as funding, permitting and redesign. “As a result, the Beach Range Road trail that we’ve been utilizing for biking and pedestrian access is not accessible for a period of about two years,” County Supervisor Wendy Root Askew says.

She notes the alternative trail, east of the chain-link fence and nearer to Highway 1, doesn’t offer the same flexibility and it hasn’t been properly maintained. Much of the paved surface is bumpy, and some sections include overgrown vegetation.

Root Askew’s team has received numerous calls about the reroute, especially from people who commute to CSU Monterey Bay and Marina using Beach Range Road, which has exits onto Divarty and 8th streets. Many are now using the parallel Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail.

Other alternatives for bicyclists include General Jim Moore Boulevard (which does not have a dedicated bike lane) and routes through Fort Ord, but may increase commute times.

In December, Root Askew, State Parks and MST organized a virtual meeting to share updates and hear from the community to seek solutions. About 70 people tuned in.

“We’re about a quarter of the way through the project at this point,” said Dan Shaw, the Monterey District superintendent for California State Parks. The Fort Ord Dunes Campground will include with new bike and pedestrian trails. It is anticipated to open in 2027.

Construction on the SURF! busway began in September, removing train tracks to make way for a dedicated bus rapid transit lane connecting bus stations in Sand City and central Marina. Once both projects are completed, Beach Range Road will reopen and the trail system will be lengthened. “This project will extend the bike trail a mile,” MST CEO Carl Sedoryk says. “It’s a multi-modal project designed to benefit [all types of] transit.”