In Santa Cruz, we’re known for our natural beauty, our vibrant neighborhoods and our strong sense of community. But what often goes unseen is the vital infrastructure that supports our daily lives, until it needs repair. As our team breaks ground on the Murray Street Bridge Retrofit, we want to acknowledge the questions and concerns from the community while sharing why this project is both necessary and exciting for our future.

We know that no one gets excited about traffic detours, construction noise or temporary closures. However, the truth is simple: this work cannot wait.

Yes, the Murray Street Bridge withstood the Loma Prieta earthquake. But surviving one major quake doesn’t guarantee it will survive the next. Today, the city is under a state mandate to retrofit the bridge, and this is the final structure in our city’s inventory to receive seismic upgrades. Once completed, the bridge will be able to withstand up to a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, a vital improvement given our region’s seismic activity.

With ongoing work on Highway 1 and around our entire county, it’s fair to ask: why start another major construction project now? The answer lies in funding and timing. The Murray Street Bridge project is supported by federal and state dollars, and delays could jeopardize that funding while escalating costs. Coordination with over a dozen agencies makes this a complex, multi-year effort, expected to take about three years, with many moving parts, from marine construction windows to environmental permits.

This is an investment in the future of our region. The project includes widening sidewalks and bike lanes to create safer, more accessible routes for all users. Cyclists will gain 6-foot-wide bike lanes, while pedestrians will enjoy 7.5-foot sidewalks with barrier rails and ocean views. These improvements will benefit everyone who crosses the bridge: residents, commuters and visitors alike.

We’re also supporting critical regional infrastructure. As part of this project, the County of Santa Cruz will install a new sewer force main that serves thousands of residents from Live Oak to Aptos, transporting around 5 million gallons of wastewater daily. This kind of coordination across jurisdictions is complex but essential and doing it all in one project avoids duplicative impacts and future closures.

We know traffic is a major concern. Our teams are working closely with the county and regional partners to plan detours, maintain eastbound traffic for most of the project and communicate closures well in advance. We’re also committed to ensuring that businesses along the route remain open and accessible. The harbor will continue to operate, and boats will be able to pass under the bridge with only minor, temporary delays.

Some have asked about using the nearby railroad bridge as a pedestrian and bike detour. Unfortunately, that route isn’t viable as it’s not ADA-compliant and remains an active rail line. Instead, we’ll be encouraging alternative routes and transportation methods, with modified signal timing and added signage to help guide the way.

We recognize the strain long-term construction can place on the community. But we also recognize the opportunity this project brings to protect lives, support our region’s infrastructure and improve everyday experiences for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

The Murray Street Bridge has served us well, but it wasn’t built for modern needs or modern risks. Now is the time to strengthen it for the future. We’re grateful for your patience, and we promise to keep you informed as we work through this important project.

Nathan Nguyen is the city of Santa Cruz Public Works director and Matt Huffaker is city manager.

The Murray Street Bridge has served us well, but it wasn’t built for modern needs or modern risks.