Community leaders and elected officials this week celebrated two major projects in Montecito: the Olive Mill Roundabout and the San Ysidro Roundabout. Construction on the two roundabouts started in early 2023 and is expected to finish in May.
(Southern California Edison will energize electrical meters at the Olive Mill Roundabout between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. May 7.)
The Olive Mill Roundabout improves traffic flow at the intersection at Olive Mill Road, Coast Village Road, North Jameson Lane, the northbound Highway 101 off-ramp at Olive Mill Road, and the southbound Highway 101 on-ramp at Olive Mill Road.
The San Ysidro Roundabout replaced the intersection at San Ysidro Road, North Jameson Lane, and the northbound Highway 101 on- and off-ramps at San Ysidro Road.
Both projects were delivered early due to regional funding programmed by Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). The Highway 101 project team built the roundabouts. The city and county managed design and permitting.
“We have known that these intersections are key aspects of Montecito’s local through traffic and have needed to be updated for many years,” said SBCAG Chair Steve Lavagnino. “The old six-way and double intersections were difficult.
“This was truly a cooperative endeavor with federal, state, and local funding coming together.”
“At the Olive Mill Roundabout, we are seeing a project that meets the requirements of three different jurisdictions – the city, county and Caltrans,” said Santa Barbara mayor and SBCAG director Randy Rowse. “It was not easy getting here, but look at the fantastic results for our community.”
Each roundabout features improvements for motorists with a single lane traffic circle. Bicyclists can either take the lane or dismount and use the crosswalks. Pedestrians have a nicer walk with enhanced crosswalks, median islands between each direction of travel, new landscaping, new signs, and lighting.
“We have long known that this project is a priority for the county, SBCAG, and the city of Santa Barbara,” said Das Williams, First District county supervisor and SBCAG director. “It is good to see our agencies come together to make this a priority and get these roundabouts built and functional ahead of the Highway 101 improvements.”
“Our Caltrans team is pleased to be delivering these projects in connection with SBCAG, the county, and the city of Santa Barbara,” said Scott Eade Caltrans District 5 director. “Both roundabouts are designed to fit with Montecito, are already improving traffic circulation for the local streets, and are designed to work with the Highway 101 on- and off-ramps that will be upgraded at both San Ysidro and Olive Mill Roads.”
The Olive Mill and San Ysidro roundabouts are $18.3 million construction projects funded by local, state and federal funds.
To sign up for Highway 101 construction updates, visit www.SBROADS.com, call 805-845.5112, or email info@SBROADS.com.