Murray Street Bridge Full Closure to Begin as Early as June 10

Published on May 27, 2026

The City of Santa Cruz is advising the community that a full closure of the Murray Street Bridge is expected to begin as early as June 10, 2026, as part of the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Replacement Project. During the closure, both westbound and eastbound lanes of the bridge will be closed to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The closure is expected to continue through September.

The anticipated start date remains subject to change as final construction activities and project coordination continue in advance of the closure. The City will announce a confirmed closure start date once it is finalized.

The full closure is required to support the next major phase of construction on the south side of the bridge, including pile driving, foundation work, and other activities necessary to strengthen the bridge and improve its seismic resilience. This work must take place during the summer months, within the limited in-water construction period established through environmental permits to help protect sensitive fish species and habitat.

Before this phase of construction could begin, the project team completed a critical milestone by relocating a regional wastewater pipeline that serves approximately 35,000 residents. With that work now complete, crews can move forward with installing new bridge supports on the south side of the bridge.

The Murray Street Bridge project requires several major construction phases to occur in a specific order. A full bridge closure in summer 2025 allowed crews to install new piles on the north side of the bridge. This summer's work focuses on the south side of the bridge and represents one of the final major full-closure phases of the project.

Detours will be in place throughout construction. Vehicles will be routed via Seabright Avenue, Soquel Avenue, and 7th Avenue. Bicyclists will be detoured through Arana Gulch and Broadway using Seabright Avenue and 7th Avenue. Pedestrians will be directed around the north harbor, with access available via Eaton Street, 7th Avenue, and Brommer Street.

After this summer's work is complete, the project is expected to move beyond the longest full-closure periods. Two shorter full closures, each anticipated to last approximately one to two weeks, are planned in 2027 to support remaining construction activities.

The Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Replacement Project remains on budget and on schedule for completion in January 2028. For project updates, detour information, and construction notices, visit the Murray Street Bridge project webpage.