With the final segment of the Highway 101 widening project moving ahead, there will be a community meeting, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Cabrillo Pavilion, 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, to learn more about upcoming improvements and early pre-construction work.
The Highway 101: Santa Barbara North segment will complete the addition of 10.9 miles of peak-period carpool lanes and finish the flagship Measure A project, Highway 101: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Santa Barbara North segment includes:
• New peak-period carpool lane in each direction between Hermosillo Road and Salinas Street.
• Fully reconstructed Cabrillo Boulevard Interchange with two new bridges and right-hand on- and off-ramps, including a new southbound on-ramp.
• Teardrop roundabout at Cabrillo Boulevard and the Highway 101 northbound ramps to improve traffic circulation.
• Permanent closure of the southbound off-ramp at Los Patos Way due to low railroad clearance
• Reconstructed freeway lanes to improve sight distance and meet current safety standards
• Updated storm drains, enhanced lighting, and new overhead signs.
The project is fully funded with construction to begin in the spring and continue through 2028. Early activities include vegetation clearing mid-December and January, ahead of bird nesting season.
Due to the height of the trees, most of the clearing will occur at night and include lane and ramp closures. Noise is anticipated throughout day and night shifts during vegetation clearing.
The project team will also present a project overview to the Montecito Association, 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Montecito Community Hall, 1469 East Valley Road. An additional community meeting is planned for February, closer to the start of construction.
Highway 101: Santa Barbara North will add a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction between Hermosillo Road and Salinas Street. The Cabrillo Boulevard Interchange will be reconstructed with two new bridges and right-hand freeway ramps, including a new southbound on-ramp.
On Cabrillo Boulevard, a teardrop roundabout will help improve traffic flow at the intersection with the Highway 101 northbound ramps. The Highway 101 southbound off-ramp at Los Patos Way will be closed permanently at the beginning of construction due to low clearance beneath the railroad.
Construction is scheduled from spring 2026 through 2028. For ramp closure schedules and more, visit www.SBROADS.com, call 805-845-5112, or email info@SBROADS.com.