Historic 'Graffiti Bridge' near Davis to close for repairs

The century-old Stevenson Bridge will undergo an $8.3 million rehabilitation project starting in May.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:23pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph showing the faded, textured surfaces of a concrete bridge arch in warm, hazy pools of color, conceptually representing the iconic 'Graffiti Bridge' and the uncertainty surrounding its future.The iconic 'Graffiti Bridge' near Davis will soon undergo a major rehabilitation project, raising questions about the fate of its beloved, decades-old tradition of public street art.Davis Today

The Stevenson Bridge, a 298-foot concrete arch bridge west of Davis, California that is known locally as the 'Graffiti Bridge' due to its extensively tagged surfaces, is set to undergo a major $8.3 million rehabilitation project starting in May. The project will address structural issues like scour protection and seismic retrofitting, as well as roadway realignment and concrete repairs. The bridge and nearby roads will be closed at times during the 6-month construction period, though officials say they will maintain local access.

Why it matters

The Stevenson Bridge is a rare surviving example of a reinforced concrete through tied arch bridge and may be the oldest of its kind in the country. Its iconic graffiti-covered surfaces have become a beloved local tradition, so the fate of this tradition during the rehabilitation work remains unclear.

The details

The $8.3 million project will address scour protection, seismic retrofitting, roadway realignment, new foundations and concrete repairs on the 298-foot Stevenson Bridge. The bridge and nearby roads will be closed at times during the 6-month construction period from May to October, though officials say they will maintain local access to nearby properties and businesses.

  • The rehabilitation project is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026.
  • The construction work is expected to be completed by October 2026.

The players

Solano County

One of the two counties that oversees the Stevenson Bridge, which spans the border between Solano and Yolo counties.

Yolo County

One of the two counties that oversees the Stevenson Bridge, which spans the border between Solano and Yolo counties.

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What’s next

Officials have not yet indicated whether the iconic graffiti tradition on the Stevenson Bridge will be allowed to continue after the rehabilitation project is completed.

The takeaway

The rehabilitation of the historic Stevenson 'Graffiti Bridge' near Davis highlights the challenge of preserving local cultural traditions while also addressing critical infrastructure needs. The fate of the bridge's famous graffiti-covered surfaces remains uncertain as the $8.3 million project moves forward.