Murray Street Bridge to Reopen to Eastbound Traffic Sept. 28

Published on September 14, 2026

The City of Santa Cruz will reopen the Murray Street Bridge to one-lane, eastbound-only traffic on Monday, Sept. 28, marking the end of the project’s extended full-closure periods. 

The bridge has been fully closed since June 10 while crews completed major construction activities, including the installation of piles and support structures on the south side of the bridge, and the completion of the new Sanitary Sewer Force Main on the north side of the bridge. 

Major Construction Milestone 

The summer closure was timed around the project’s permitted in-water construction period; the only time that pile driving and pile cap work is allowed. Now that the in-water work is complete, the work above the water line can continue without the use of the large crane that required full bridge closure. 

In addition to the piles and support structures, the crews also completed the installation of a new Sanitary Sewer Force Main on the north side of the bridge. 

The sewer work is a major component of the project and is necessary to maintain reliable wastewater service for approximately 35,000 residents in Santa Cruz and surrounding communities. 

With this phase of sewer and bridge work complete, the bridge can reopen to eastbound traffic while construction continues. 

What to Expect Beginning Sept. 28 

The bridge will reopen to one lane of eastbound traffic. Westbound vehicles will continue to use the detour via 7th Avenue, Soquel Avenue and Seabright Avenue. 

Drivers should expect longer travel times and increased congestion on nearby streets, particularly along the westbound detour. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time and follow posted traffic and detour signs. 

Bicycles will also be able to cross the bridge. Eastbound cyclists may use the full travel lane. Westbound cyclists may dismount and walk their bikes along the bridge sidewalk or use the bicycle detour via 7th Avenue, Arana Gulch/Broadway and Seabright Avenue. 

The bridge will remain open to pedestrians. The East Harbor Access Road beneath the bridge and the West Harbor stairs from Murray Street to the lower west harbor will remain closed. The West Harbor Access Road will remain open. 

The East Harbor Access Road is currently scheduled to reopen in February 2027, and the West Harbor stairs are scheduled to reopen in May 2027. 

What’s Next 

The Sept. 28 reopening moves the project beyond its longest planned full closures. 

Several shorter full closures are anticipated later in the project, including approximately one week in February 2027 and additional brief closures in late 2027 for bridge, paving and striping work. The City will provide advance notice before each closure. 

Construction will continue throughout the project area, and temporary access changes may be needed as work progresses. 

Supporting Seabright and Harbor Businesses 

Businesses in the Seabright and Harbor areas remain open and accessible during construction. Community members are encouraged to continue shopping, dining and visiting businesses on both sides of the bridge. 

About the Project 

The Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Replacement Project will improve the bridge’s seismic resilience and make it safer and more comfortable for people walking, biking and driving. 

The project includes seismic upgrades, new traffic barriers, wider bike lanes, a two-way pedestrian path, and replacement and upsizing of the regional sewer force main. 

Construction began in January 2025 and remains on schedule for completion in January 2028. 

For project updates, current access information and detours, visit the Murray Street Bridge project webpage.