Stockton Avenue Bridge Replacement Project

About the Project

The Stockton Avenue Bridge, constructed in the early 1930s, is a key piece of Capitola’s transportation network and a recognizable local landmark. It spans Soquel Creek, connecting neighborhoods and providing important access to the Village area. While it has served the community well for nearly a century, the aging structure faces growing concerns related to long-term durability, storm resilience, and evolving infrastructure needs.

The City of Capitola is in the early planning phase of a potential bridge replacement to ensure continued safety, environmental performance, and community access into the future.

Why Consider Bridge Replacement?

The City has identified several challenges with the existing structure that may warrant replacement:

Structural Integrity: The bridge is aging and may not meet modern engineering and seismic standards.
Flood Risk: Increased storm intensity and debris flows pose risks to the structure and surrounding properties.
Connectivity: The bridge supports both vehicles and pedestrians and serves as a critical access point in and out of Capitola Village.

Although past debris mitigation efforts have provided short-term relief, a long-term solution is needed to protect public safety and infrastructure.

Current Status (Updated July 2025)

In March 2025, the City Council considered a proposed contract amendment to advance the project design but instead directed staff to conduct additional internal study and outreach before proceeding.

Field evaluation is scheduled for July 2025 to support this analysis.
Staff expects to return to the City Council in fall 2025 with results and next steps.

No final decisions have been made. The project remains in the planning and evaluation stage, with public input continuing to guide the process.

Community Engagement

The City of Capitola is committed to a transparent process that includes opportunities for public input and review. Community engagement efforts will include public meetings, stakeholder outreach, and informational materials as the project progresses.

Updates and opportunities to participate will be shared on this page.

Documents and Resources

June 2024 Debris Mitigation Feasibility Report

Get Involved

The City of Capitola encourages community members to stay informed and share their thoughts and concerns throughout the planning process. We value your input as we work toward a solution that best serves the needs of the entire community.