Santa Cruz’s Murray Street Bridge full closure reshapes Seabright and Harbor access
Santa Cruz’s Murray Street Bridge is in its second full-closure phase of the seismic-retrofit project, changing how residents, workers and visitors reach Seabright and the Santa Cruz Harbor during the summer travel season.
The full closure began June 10, 2026. The City of Santa Cruz expects it to continue through September, although the timing remains subject to construction progress and the project’s permitted in-water work window.
What is closed
During the active full closure, both bridge lanes are closed to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Travelers must use signed detours, and trips to Seabright, the harbor and nearby businesses may take longer.
Vehicle traffic is routed through Seabright Avenue, Soquel Avenue and 7th Avenue. Bicyclists are directed through Arana Gulch and Broadway using Seabright Avenue and 7th Avenue. Pedestrians are directed around the north harbor using Eaton Street, 7th Avenue and Brommer Street.
The East Harbor Access Road and the east harbor access path are also affected by construction. The city says the west harbor access path remains open, while the east path is expected to reopen later than previously anticipated.
Why the bridge needs a full closure
The project is intended to improve the bridge’s earthquake resilience, public safety and access for people walking, biking and driving.
The current phase involves major work on the south side of the bridge, including pile driving, foundation construction and installation of new structural supports. The city says the work must occur during a limited summer in-water construction period established through environmental permits to protect sensitive fish species and habitat and to maintain worker safety.
The project also includes relocating and installing an upsized regional wastewater pipeline serving about 35,000 residents in Live Oak, Capitola, Soquel and Aptos. That utility work is part of the broader construction sequence; the closure is not routine maintenance or a surface-only repair.
How residents and visitors are being supported
City records document several responses intended to preserve access and help Seabright and Harbor businesses during the bridge project. They include coordination with Santa Cruz METRO, support for Harbor Water Taxi operations, additional signs directing visitors to local businesses, free two-hour parking on Seabright Avenue meter spaces and marketing or promotional efforts.
The city also says METRO has launched a free Seabright Shuttle. The curb-to-curb service operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., connecting residents, employees and visitors with nearby bus stops and Seabright-area destinations.
The free Santa Cruz Harbor Water Taxi normally operates during the summer on Thursdays, Fridays, weekends and holidays. The city says it may operate as needed during the fall, holidays or special events to provide additional access while construction continues.
These are documented access and business-support measures, not a guarantee that every business will experience the same effect or that public programs will replace lost customer traffic.
What comes next
The current full closure is expected to continue through September 2026. That is a schedule expectation, not a guaranteed reopening date, so travelers should check the city’s project updates and posted detour signs before making trips to the bridge, harbor or Seabright area.
The broader Murray Street Bridge project is scheduled for completion by January 2028. The city anticipates a one-week full closure in February 2027 and a two-week full closure in December 2027, along with intermittent harbor-path closures as later construction phases proceed.
For now, the practical takeaway is that the bridge cannot be crossed by vehicle, bicycle or on foot during the active summer closure. The disruption is temporary, but the seismic retrofit will continue to affect neighborhood circulation and harbor access through the remaining project schedule.
Sources
- City of Santa Cruz Murray Street Bridge project page
- Santa Cruz City Council business-support agenda report
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