City seeks alternatives after bridge pathway plan hits roadblocks
Briana Mathaw
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) – Businesses near the Santa Cruz Harbor say they’re feeling the impact of the ongoing Murray Street Bridge project.
City staff are now recommending that council members do not move forward with a proposed Harbor Bridge pathway plan, citing safety risks and legal challenges.
The plan would have temporarily converted the existing railroad bridge into a pathway for bicycles and pedestrians while construction continues on the Murray Street Bridge.
“Converting the existing railroad bridge to a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, and using it as a temporary detour during construction of the city of Santa Cruz Murray Street roadway bridge, comes with challenges, costs, and approvals associated with converting an existing railroad bridge to a temporary path,” RTC said.
The company points out that the bridge is still part of an active rail line and wasn’t designed for foot or bike traffic, raising serious safety and legal concerns.
Before any plans can move forward, the city would be required to submit complete engineering and safety proposals, along with a detailed report addressing all regulatory requirements.
Meanwhile, local businesses are still struggling. Some report revenue losses of up to 10 percent.
“I did $50,000 a month last summer. I was doing $40,000 this month and this summer. And that is money I need to be making and saving for the wintertime because the wintertime is going to be even more difficult than now,” Michael Spadafora said.
Business owners are also asking for more support, including extended outdoor dining permits, reduced parking ticket enforcement, and grants instead of loans.
“Grandfather our patios. We’ve had that there for quite a bit. A lot of businesses have these patios since COVID, so it’d be nice to grandfather that in for the next few years,” Mark Magdaleno said.
Another ongoing concern is how slow construction feels. Some business owners are calling out what they see as a lack of urgency in getting the project completed.
“Overtime would really help expedite that if they worked overtime. This project needs to get done,” Michael Spadafora said.
“Trying to work with a contractor down there to come up with new ideas to get the work done a little quicker. That would be helpful, too. We haven’t seen too much action on Saturdays from the contractor,” Mark Magdaleno said.
The city is recommending a measure to help ease the burden, free two-hour parking at Lower Seabright.
“Maybe not being so hard on ticketing in that area so we can get more people to come and, you know, park around that neighborhood,” Mark Magdaleno said.
City Council is expecting an update by early September on shuttle plans, available funding, improved communication, traffic impacts, and ways to speed up the project.