Santa Cruz RTC outlines plans for Capitola Coastal Rail Trail and trestle bridge

The City Council Special Meeting held on April 2, 2025, in Capitola, California, focused on the ongoing developments of the Coastal Rail Trail project, with significant input from Grace Blakesley, a transportation planner for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). The meeting aimed to inform the public about the project's progress and address community concerns regarding the use of the Capitola Trestle for bicycle and pedestrian access.

Blakesley opened the discussion by highlighting the RTC's commitment to enhancing transportation solutions that are sustainable and equitable. She noted that the region is experiencing unprecedented investment in transportation infrastructure, including improvements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

A key topic of the meeting was the potential use of the Capitola Trestle, a bridge spanning Soquel Creek, for the Coastal Rail Trail. Blakesley explained that the current project does not include a bridge across the creek due to structural limitations of the existing trestle, which comprises multiple bridge types, including timber and wrought iron. The RTC determined that attaching a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge to the Capitola Trestle is not feasible because of the constrained right-of-way and the structural requirements for bridge abutments.

Instead, the RTC proposed replacing the existing trestle with a new combined bridge that would accommodate both passenger and freight rail, as well as bicycle and pedestrian traffic. However, Blakesley clarified that this replacement bridge is not currently funded as part of the ongoing project.

The meeting also addressed the possibility of repurposing the existing Capitola Trestle for trail use. Blakesley mentioned that structural repairs would be necessary, with a 2021 analysis estimating the repair costs at approximately $7 million. This figure has not been updated since then.

In conclusion, the meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the Coastal Rail Trail project and the challenges associated with the Capitola Trestle. The RTC's plans for a new bridge and the potential for repurposing the existing structure were central to the discussions, reflecting the community's interest in enhancing transportation options while addressing structural limitations. Further updates and decisions regarding funding and project timelines are anticipated as the project progresses.