The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday designated the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge as a historic landmark. 

Spanning 1,148 feet over a canyon on Highway 154, the bridge is the largest arch bridge in California. The bridge opened in 1964 and is known for providing an expansive view of the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Designating the bridge as a historic landmark means the owner, Caltrans, will have to present any significant changes to the County Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission. 

The commission doesn’t have the authority to approve or deny any changes, but Caltrans does have to consider its comments, Keith Coffman-Gray, chair of the commission, told the Board of Supervisors. Caltrans does not not have to present plans for regular maintenance repairs to the commission.

Caltrans did not oppose the nomination, and District 5 Director Scott Eades signed the HLAC nomination resolution, staff said.

On Oct. 14, the County Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission recommended the bridge for landmark status for its architectural design, craftsmanship and unique physical characteristics. 

In 2012, a 9-foot-7-inch mesh fence-style suicide barrier was constructed on the bridge after years of controversy. Before the barrier was constructed, 55 people had taken their lives on the bridge. 

County staff explained that the barrier is a temporary barrier and can be removed so it didn’t affect the bridge’s eligibility for landmark status.

First District Supervisor Roy Lee asked whether the bridge will receive a plaque. Coffman-Gray explained that plaques are paid for by the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission, so it depends on whether it has the funds. 

“When we get our new budget for 2025-2026, that’s probably when we’ll try to put the funds aside to do a plaque,” Coffman-Gray said.