San Lorenzo Way Bridge
Replacement Project

September 2026 - Spring 2028

 

Project Overview 

The County of Santa Cruz is replacing the San Lorenzo Way Bridge over the San Lorenzo River in Felton. Built in 1920, the existing single-lane bridge is structurally deficient, vulnerable to erosion around its foundation during high water flows, and does not meet current bridge and roadway design standards. The bridge has been identified for replacement through the federal Highway Bridge Program since 2010.

The project will replace the existing bridge with a modern two-lane concrete bridge. The new bridge will include concrete barriers on both sides and a sidewalk on the south side. The project will also improve the approach from Highway 9 and correct the steep grade onto San Lorenzo Way.

The new bridge will:

  • Provide two lanes for vehicle traffic
  • Include a new sidewalk on the south side
  • Meet current bridge and roadway design standards
  • Improve the approach to San Lorenzo Way from Highway 9
  • Reduce the steep grade approaching the bridge

Construction is expected to begin in September 2026 and final project completion in Spring 2028.  Work hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday-Friday)

Anticipated Project Timeline

September 2026

Site Preparation

Environmental protective measures, tree removal, and clearing and grubbing, Intermittent weekday detours enacted.

 

October 2026

Utility Relocations

Electrical and communication utilities are relocated, Intermittent weekday detours enacted.

Oct. 2026–Apr. 2027

Work Stoppage

Construction activities pause during this period due to environmental permit restrictions.

April 2027

Bridge Closure

Temporary utility relocations begin. San Lorenzo Way closes with no public access.

May 2027

Bridge Demolition

The existing bridge is demolished.

June–October 2027

Bridge Construction

New bridge construction, utility work, paving, grading, erosion control and planting.

October 2027

New Bridge Complete

The new bridge is complete and San Lorenzo Way reopens.

Spring 2028

Construction Closeout

Final construction closeout activities are completed.

Project dates are estimates and subject to change. Inclement weather may impact the delivery schedule.

Detour

Intermittent detour routes between September - October 2026 will be provided using an existing private road on the east side of the San Lorenzo River that connects to Mount Hermon Road. Spring 2027 existing bridge will be closed until October 2027. Detour route provided. 

                                                                     Click the images to view a larger version. 

                                                                    

Additional information about the construction schedule, detour and project updates will be provided as the project progresses. 

Project Contact

For questions about the project, please contact the appropriate person below based on your specific question or need.

Contact for Project contact Contact information
Construction-related questions or concerns Ann Meyer
Resident Engineer		 (831) 345-9132
ann.meyer@bkf.com
Emergency concerns outside normal work hours Lane Grover
Project Manager		 (925) 260-2116
logrover@ballconco.com

Frequently Asked Questions

This project is listed in the Highway Bridge Program (HBP) which is a safety program that provides federal-aid to Local Public Agencies to replace and rehabilitate structurally-deficient, locally-owned public highway bridges or complete preventive maintenance on bridges that are not deficient. The HBP is funded by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). For non-eligible costs HUTA and SB1 funds are being used to as a local match source.

Emergency vehicles and essential services will also use the detour to access nearby neighborhoods, with little to no additional travel time.

The project is expected to have minimal impacts on traffic along Highway 9 and Mount Hermon Road. With current traffic volumes below 200 vehicles per day, significant backups at the Mount Hermon Road detour entrance are not anticipated.

All construction will remain strictly above the water line. To protect the local environment, the project will follow all safety and environmental guidelines required by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Regional Water Control Board.

Working hours are from 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday-Friday). All work involving heavy equipment or traffic control is typically done between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Residents should plan for intermittent short-term closures and delays beginning in September 2026 with the bridge to fully close around April 2027. During the closure, the Daybreak Camp detour will provide access to Rose Acres. Because the detour is a gravel road, please drive slowly and use caution along the route.

All utilities are expected to remain in service throughout construction. The PG&E gas line currently located on the bridge will be temporarily supplied by a compressed natural gas (CNG) tank while the bridge is being replaced. If any utility service interruptions are needed during construction, they are expected to be brief and intermittent. Residents will be notified in advance of any planned disruptions.