Route Description
SR 17 is part of the California Freeway and Expressway System and is eligible for the State Scenic Highway System. However, it has not been designated as a scenic highway by Caltrans.
From its southern terminus with SR 1 in Santa Cruz, Route 17 begins as a four-lane intermittent freeway. From there, it proceeds through Scotts Valley before reverting to a continuous freeway and ascending the winding Santa Cruz Mountains. The road crosses the Santa Clara/Santa Cruz county line through the Patchen Pass, commonly referred to as "The Summit", at an elevation of 1,800 feet (549 m). After an interchange with SR 35, Route 17 begins a rapid descent from the Santa Cruz Mountains with occasional interchanges in between, passing through Lexington Reservoir. The freeway portion begins upon reaching Los Gatos and later expanding to six lanes after an interchange with SR 85. This interchange has three levels; it is unusual in that the top level (CA 17) is at-grade, with the other levels below-grade. The number of lanes later expands to eight shortly before reaching its northern terminus at Interstate 280, where it continues as Interstate 880.
Read more about this topic: California State Route 17
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