Quick Take
The City of Santa Cruz will allow two-way traffic along the open lane of the Murray Street Bridge on Monday.
The City of Santa Cruz will allow two-way traffic along the open lane of the Murray Street Bridge on Monday, potentially as early as midday.
The new setup will feature automated temporary traffic signals at both ends of the bridge, alternating between eastbound and westbound vehicle traffic through the single open lane. The signals will also give emergency vehicles priority to allow good response times.
The new traffic pattern could result in delays at the temporary traffic signals, longer travel times and increased congestion on nearby streets, according to a city media release. City staff will monitor delays and make adjustments as needed. Drivers should give themselves extra travel time and be diligent regarding new signage and signals.
Bicycle and pedestrian access will remain available. Cyclists can use a push button to get more time to cross during a green light cycle.
Since Jan. 28, the bridge has been open to cars traveling eastbound. From June 2025 until the end of last month, the bridge was fully closed.
The two-way traffic configuration will remain until the next full closure of the bridge, which is scheduled to last for about 14 weeks from June through mid-September. Two more short full closures are currently scheduled, for February 2027 and December 2027, lasting one week and two weeks, respectively.
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