Santa Cruz Reopens Murray Street Bridge Eastbound Lane
The city restored one-lane eastbound travel on September 28, 2026, following months of full closure for construction.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Construction
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The city of Santa Cruz reopened the Murray Street Bridge to one-lane, eastbound-only traffic on September 28, 2026. This move follows a full closure of the structure from June 2026 through September 2026 to facilitate essential infrastructure work.
Why it matters
The bridge closure was necessary to complete major construction, including the installation of support piles and a critical new Sanitary Sewer Force Main. This sewer project ensures reliable wastewater service for approximately 35,000 residents in Santa Cruz and surrounding communities.
The sewer force main replacement project serves approximately 35,000 residents in the city and surrounding area. City planners anticipate one additional week of full bridge closure in February 2027.
The details
Construction crews successfully installed support piles on the bridge's south side and a new sewer main on the north side. While eastbound cyclists may now use the full travel lane, westbound cyclists are required to dismount and walk their bikes on the sidewalk.
Timeline
Construction on the bridge began in January 2025.
A full bridge closure for construction started in June 2026.
Eastbound traffic was reopened on September 28, 2026.
A one-week full closure is expected in February 2027.
The entire construction project is scheduled for completion in January 2028.
Market Landscape
This project follows a pattern of municipal compliance set by the Clean Water Act's infrastructure mandates to maintain sanitary sewer integrity. It represents a broader trend of aging coastal infrastructure requiring simultaneous structural and utility upgrades.
Commuters heading west must continue to use the detour via 7th Avenue, Soquel Avenue, and Seabright Avenue. Pedestrians retain bridge access, but cyclists traveling westbound must dismount to navigate the bridge sidewalk.
The takeaway
Travelers should plan for continued traffic modifications and upcoming project closures as the city works toward a final completion date in 2028. Familiarity with the established detour routes remains essential for navigating the area until all construction concludes.
What happens next
The city plans a full closure of the Murray Street Bridge for one week in February 2027, followed by additional brief closures in late 2027 for final paving and striping work.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing municipal projects, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Cruz Sentinel.
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