The Murray Street Bridge closure has cut off a critical cross-harbor and cross-town route for all of Santa Cruz. Small local businesses and residents, cyclists, pedestrians, and commuters are without direct and safe access.

This petition is to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager of Santa Cruz.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the City of Santa Cruz act immediately to open the Murray Street Bridge as soon as possible to two-way traffic using a temporary two-way signal light: 24/7 - both ways / full time.

Why this is important.

The Murray Street Bridge is impacting residents and businesses alike with the retrofit project. It is slated to reopen for 1-way traffic from February until June of 2026, when it will be closed again for 4 months. Research shows portable signals with sensors and radio controls are efficient and offer safer control than flaggers. Investigation also shows the expected cost to be less than $150,000 for such a system until the end of this project in 2028. This cost covers everything except the added insurance for the City. This is eminently doable.

There are only 3 routes to move east and west, and the traffic on Hwy 1, Soquel, and in the neighborhoods is much worse with the bridge closed. Allowing 2-way traffic will help alleviate the traffic burden for all lower Seabright, the Harbor, Live Oak, Twin Lakes, and Portola, for businesses and residents.

We recognize this is not a perfect solution, but the clear benefits outweigh the negatives — especially if small, local businesses survive this 3-year construction project.

Please sign this petition to urge our local authorities to prioritize this change for the betterment of our community.

By signing this petition, you are saying:

1. I live in Santa Cruz County.
2. I support our local businesses and want them to thrive.
3. I agree the City can and should make the Murray Street bridge open to two-way traffic as long as possible, both ways / full time.
4. I’m okay with my name being included when this petition is shared with local officials.