City of Capitola considers replacing the historic Stockton Avenue Bridge over Soquel Creek
CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The city of Capitola is considering options to replace its historic Stockton Avenue Bridge, a landmark that has been a fixture in the village since 1934.
While it’s an iconic structure its also become a major concern due to flooding risks.
Capitola city leaders are considering replacing the bridge because of how vulnerable it is to flooding.
The Stockton Avenue Bridge has stood at the heart of Capitola since 1934 but city leaders say its age and design are now putting the village at risk, especially when heavy storms roll in.
"The main driver of this project is that the bridge doesn't get caught on the bridge and then it doesn't flood, not just the village area, but also here up at city hall," Jessica Kahn Public Works Director said.
Over the past winter, the bridge suffered significant damaged during storms with debris building up around its piers, this is one of the main reasons officials are looking into replacing it.
"We're really anticipating that with the more severe winter storms that we've been getting to have that become more and more of a problem," Kahn said.
Beyond the flood risk the bridge also struggles to meet the growing demands of local traffic with bikes and pedestrians using the bridge more than ever.
City officials say widening it could improve safety and ease congestion.
"Esthetically we would like it to look potentially to look the same after going through the public process, but just improve it so we have better ways of traveling over it," Kahn said.
Residents are torn, While some see the need for a new bridge others are concerned about losing a beloved part of Capitola’s charm.
"As a transportation between one location to the other, definitely important," Marilee Westen Capitola resident said. "It's structurally that it's not the sound, as inconvenient said it would be, it needs to be repaired for the future."
"I certainly think that it would be a shame to change how it looks," Diana Coatney Capitola resident said. "It would change the character of the village."
If the city decided to move forward, the new design would aim to preserve the aesthetics of the old bridge while ensuring it meets modern safety standards and transportation needs.
The city is still in the initial planning stages but a replacement could be years away, officials will be looking for funding for the design in the coming months.
