Project Connect is officially up and running following a groundbreaking ceremony March 18 in Old Town Goleta.
The event took place near the intersection of Hollister Avenue and the southbound Highway 217 onramp, a location that will be impacted by the future realignment of Hollister Avenue. The ceremony brought together local leaders, stakeholders and community members
As the largest capital improvement project in Goleta’s history, Project Connect will enhance pedestrian access and safety, improve road conditions, and build critical linkage throughout Goleta while increasing stormwater flow capacity in San Jose Creek under Hollister Bridge, the city said.
Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet was emcee for the event that included a number of speakers from local government agencies.
“This project has something for everyone,” said Goleta City Councilmember James Kyriaco. “A better pedestrian experience, a safer bicycling experience, more parking and another east-west route for vehicles.
“It finishes flood control efforts many years in the works and includes much needed accessibility improvements to help people get from one side of the street to the other.”
“Today marks a promising achievement for the city of Goleta. This is your commitment to progress and community wellbeing,” said Marjie Kirn, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) executive director. “It’s more than a collaboration, it is a shared vision involving local, state and federal partnerships.”
U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal, a Goleta resident, said, “This is a great example of what can happen when the city, county, state and federal government all work together in true partnership. “This is a fantastic project for Goleta residents. It will improve our commutes, protect our pedestrians and improve connectivity in our neighborhoods.”
“Project Connect is about fostering connectivity, enhancing safety and the sense of community. This project is a major investment to help make Old Town what it was meant to be, the heart and soul of Goleta,” said county Supervisor Joan Hartmann.
“There will be a lot going on during construction and it is really important that we all remember to shop local and support the Old Town businesses during this multi-year project,” Mayor Paula Perotte said.
“The contractor will be working along Hollister Avenue, Ekwill Street and Fowler Road for the next few years,” said Nina Buelna, assistant Goleta Public Works director.
“The city of Goleta will work to keep our residents, travelers and businesses informed about all of the changes,” she said. “We recognize this is an impactful project and we appreciate your patience.”
For updates the project, including traffic impacts, visit www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect or call 805-690-5116.
This comprehensive project includes:
• Hollister Avenue Bridge and Roundabout Project – Construction of two roundabouts at the Hollister Avenue/State Route 217 ramp intersection to improve traffic flow. Additionally, a new bridge will be built over San Jose Creek to achieve 100-year storm flow capacity.
• Ekwill Street and Fowler Road Extension Projects – Improve east-west circulation north and south of Hollister Avenue, providing direct connections to portions of Old Town Goleta and the Santa Barbara Airport.
• Hollister Old Town Interim Striping Project – Striping and pavement improvements, timed parking restrictions and traffic signal upgrades that will increase safety, accessibility, and mobility for all users on Hollister Avenue between Kellogg Avenue and Fairview Avenue.
Project Connect is predominantly funded by the Highway Bridge Program, State Transportation Improvement Program, and local city funding.