Residents along Hollister Avenue can expect more traffic as the utility work on the street will begin soon and last until the end of August.
According to the City of Goleta, utility work will be done on underground cables to prepare for the Hollister Avenue Bridge replacement project.
During this time, traffic control will be at the site to direct drivers and keep the construction area safe for workers.
Officials are telling drivers to expect “major delays” and recommend taking alternate routes when possible.
The construction is expected to last until the end of August but could be expanded depending on delays or weather.
City officials said that construction crews will be working around the clock to complete the project, including on weekends.
The new construction comes weeks after the road changes to Hollister, which has reduced the four-lane street to two lanes, one in each direction.
Other changes include new bike paths and new slanted parking that requires drivers to back into the spots. This move added parking spaces in an area that needs it, the city said, but the changes drew mixed emotions from Old Town residents.
Some residents have said that the new road is more confusing and is causing traffic to back up down the street.
More Goleta Bridge Construction
Caltrans is doing drilling on Highway 101 as part of the project to replace roadway bridges over San Jose Creek in Goleta.
The drilling project will occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The project is expected to be completed by early September.
Travelers driving along this route will detour along the northbound lane of the highway, where the northbound portion of the bridge has already been completed.
Two lanes on each side of Highway 101 will be open during this stage of the project. Construction on this project is expected to be completed in June 2026.
Closer to Goleta Beach County Park, Caltrans is replacing the bridge on Highway 217 over San Jose Creek.
The eastbound Highway 217 on-ramp at Sandspit Road will stay closed until the project is finished, scheduled for summer 2025.
Travelers leaving the Santa Barbara Airport can access Fairview Avenue and Hollister Avenue to reach Highway 101, Caltrans says.
