A section of Black Road near the Highway 166 intersection will be closed for four weeks at the start of construction, which is set to begin July 1.

Crews will install a new traffic signal system; create dedicated turning lanes; enhance lighting; install reflective pavement markings; and install new drainage systems to address flooding along Highway 166 and Black Road.

The upgrades are expected to significantly improve traffic flow and safety in the area.

The work, which part of the Traffic Signal and Safety Improvement project, is expected to last for five months, concluding by year’s end.

A section of Black Road near the Highway 166 intersection will be closed for four weeks when construction begins in July. Traffic will be redirected through Stowell Road at Black Road, which will remain open throughout the construction period.

Businesses operating south of Highway 166 on Black Road will maintain access to their facilities from Betteravia and Stowell roads during the temporary closure. Highway 166 will remain open throughout construction, with one-way traffic control set to begin this fall.

“We urge all drivers to reduce their speed in the construction zone,” said Fred Luna, director of project delivery and construction for SBCAG. “The safety of our workers and the public is everyone’s responsibility, and this commitment can make all the difference in keeping our roads and communities safe.”

The SBCAG Board of Directors approved $2.53 million from Measure A, Santa Barbara County transportation sales tax, to fund construction.

“The extraordinary commitment of our community in self-funding the Highway 166 and Black Road safety upgrades by Measure A is commendable,” said District 5 County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, chair of SBCAG.

“This long-overdue project is finally becoming a reality, showcasing our shared priority for safer and more efficient travel between Guadalupe and Santa Maria,” he said.

Project partners include SBCAG, Caltrans, City of Guadalupe, City of Santa Maria, County of Santa Barbara, Psomas, Rincon Consultants, MNS Engineers Inc., and Granite Construction.

For more information, contact SBCAG, 805-961-8905 or info@sbcag.org.