Two-way Traffic Resumes on Murray Street Bridge in Santa Cruz

The elevated roadway transitions to a one-lane, two-direction traffic pattern during ongoing construction.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Murray Street Bridge in Santa Cruz, California has transitioned from an eastbound-only configuration to a one-lane, two-direction traffic pattern. Automated temporary traffic signals will alternate eastbound and westbound vehicles through the single travel lane, with provisions for emergency vehicle priority. Bicyclists are permitted to use the full travel lane but must obey the signals. Further full closures of the bridge are planned for summer 2026 and in 2027 to relocate a regional wastewater pipeline.

Why it matters

The Murray Street Bridge is a critical transportation link in Santa Cruz, spanning the harbor. The new two-way traffic pattern aims to minimize disruptions during the multi-year construction project to upgrade infrastructure, though periodic full closures will still be required.

The details

The new one-lane, two-direction traffic pattern uses automated temporary traffic signals at each end of the bridge to alternate eastbound and westbound vehicles. This configuration will operate at all hours during construction, except for upcoming full closures. Bicyclists are allowed to use the full travel lane but must obey the temporary signals. A second full closure is scheduled for June through mid-September 2026 to relocate a regional wastewater pipeline, and two additional full closures are planned for 2027.

  • The new traffic pattern went into effect on Monday, March 3, 2026.
  • A second full closure of the bridge is scheduled for June through mid-September 2026.
  • An additional one-week full closure is planned for February 2027.
  • A two-week full closure is scheduled for December 2027.
  • The overall project began in January 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in January 2028.

The players

City of Santa Cruz

The local government overseeing the Murray Street Bridge construction project.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This project highlights the challenges of maintaining critical transportation infrastructure in a coastal city like Santa Cruz, requiring careful planning and coordination to minimize disruptions to residents and businesses during the multi-year construction timeline.