Harbor Railroad Bridge to temporarily open to provide relief for businesses near Murray Bridge

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) - Some relief may be on the way for Santa Cruz businesses struggling with low foot traffic because of the ongoing closure of the Murray Street Bridge.

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is approving a special request from the city today.

It will temporarily open up the railroad bridge crossing the Santa Cruz Harbor for pedestrians and cyclists to access between Seabright and 7th Avenues.

Multiple business owners voicing their support for the idea -- but also saying they wish the city had made these plans sooner.

"All of our businesses down there are hurting. We need to do what we can do since no did anything prior to the start of this project that we've known was gonna happen for 30 years. Why wasn't the bridge open and prepped prior, so we wouldn't be put in a last-minute situation having to do this?" said Michael Spadafora, owner of Java Junction.

Construction on the Murray Street Bridge project started June 23 and is expected to last approximately two years.