Caltrans to rebuild Saratoga Creek Bridge, citing structural concerns

Bridge to close during construction, traffic delays expected on Highway 9

Those traveling along Highway 9 from Saratoga to Santa Cruz might want to rethink their route.

Caltrans is building a new Saratoga Creek bridge after an investigation revealed seismic and structural concerns. The bridge will be closed during construction, which is expected to start in March.

The bridge is located on Highway 9 at mile marker 4.9, between Saratoga in Santa Clara County and Felton in Santa Cruz County.

The construction project will replace the existing bridge, though the new bridge will retain the outer, visible portion of the stone bridge.

The project is expected to wrap up by December. During construction, there will be one-way lane closures from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Caltrans said to expect delays and allow extra time when traveling.

“Full lane closures will occur intermittently during construction activities between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through Friday,” Caltrans Public Information Officer Victor Gauthier said.

Detours will be as follows:

Northbound

• Turn on Redwood Gulch Road
• Turn right on Stevens Canyon Road
• Turn right on Mt. Eden Road
• Turn right on Pierce Road
• Turn on Northbound Highway 9

Southbound:

• Turn on Pierce Road
• Turn left on Mt. Eden Road
• Turn left on Stevens Canyon Road
• Turn left on Redwood Gulch Road
• Turn on Southbound Highway 9

The state partnered with the City of Saratoga and Santa Clara County on the project.