Why Caltrans Budgeted $6.25 Million to Rebuild Highway 101 Drainage Near Prunedale

PRUNEDALE, Monterey County — October 27, 2026. A less visible highway problem—water draining underneath US 101—is the subject of a multimillion-dollar Caltrans project. The agency’s Prunedale Drainage Improvements Project addresses culverts across a roughly 1.5-mile stretch north of the Crazy Horse Canyon/Echo Valley Road overcrossing, extending toward the northern Dunbarton Road junction.

Why drainage matters

Caltrans describes corrosion, deformation, perforated culvert walls and eroded embankments in its inventory. Allowing those conditions to worsen could damage pavement or slopes. The agency’s plan calls for replacing or repairing culverts, upgrading some pipe diameters to at least 24 inches, replacing drainage inlets and addressing areas affected by erosion.

Costs and the schedule caveat

The state project page lists a $6,252,000 estimated construction cost. Its published schedule anticipated construction completion in January 2026 and plant establishment through January 2027. Because that construction date has already passed, the page alone cannot confirm whether the work is finished, delayed or still subject to inspection. A recent agency update or construction closeout is needed.

Drivers should use Caltrans QuickMap for present-day restrictions rather than treating a project fact sheet as live traffic information.

Primary documents: Caltrans District 5, Prunedale Drainage Improvements Project and Caltrans QuickMap. Follow Prunedale News for community coverage.

Editorial note: The quoted date is an agency projection, not a verified actual completion date.

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