The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is seeking community input through an online survey on what type of bridge do you prefer for along the Coastal Rail Trail in Aptos.
Deadline to complete the survey is Feb. 9.
To see the two choices, Tied Arch Bridge or the low-profile Stress Ribbon Bridge, watch this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1O8giDR1qI
Tied Arch Bridge
The bicycle and pedestrian structure is to be constructed as a part of the Highway 1 auxiliary lane, bus-on-shoulder (Freedom Boulevard to State Park Drive) and Coastal Rail Trail Segment 12 project.
Coastal Rail Trail Segment 12 is a 1.25-mile-long bicy cle and pedestrian trail proposed through Aptos along the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line right-of-way from State Park Drive to Rio Del Mar Boulevard.
The project includes a new bridge over Aptos Creek and Soquel Drive on the north side of Aptos Village.
Originally a three-span simple prefab was proposed. However, the project development team encountered challenges with utilities conflicting with the location of structure columns.
Stress Ribbon Bridge
Given the challenges, the project team now recommends a single-span 300-foot-long bridge.
Both types proposed have similar costs, and the railings and width would be identical.
The Tied Arch type bridge, would be supported by two 300-foot-long curved arches with the deck supported below. Its 50-foot-tall arch makes a striking visual statement. The other option, a Stress Ribbon type, would be supported by suspension cables within the concrete deck. Its low profile and minimalist design would offer a harmonious blend with the environment.
What does the community want? Put your two cents in by Feb. 9.
The project is in the final design phase, which is due for completion in 2025, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026 pending availability of funding for construction.
•••
For more information on the project, see https://sccrtc.org/projects/streets-highways/hwy1corridor/highway-1-state-park-dr-to-freedom-blvd-aux-lanes/.