Caltrans has completed demolition on the southbound bridge along Refugio Road, clearing the way for the next stage of construction along that section of Highway 101.
The demolition was completed last week, according to Jim Shivers, a public information officer for Caltrans.
“The next steps will be to begin the process of rebuilding the bridge, which is actually the southbound bridge on southbound Highway 101,” Shivers said.
The new bridge will be 7 feet wider to allow trucks to pass through more easily and is expected to be completed by 2027. The cost of the project is $56 million.
Residents were redirected to the northbound section of the road in November as Caltrans prepared to demolish the southern bridge.
Traffic will be redirected to the new southbound bridge upon completion to allow for the construction of a new northbound bridge. Shivers stated that Caltrans does not believe the traffic configuration will have a major impact on traffic since it is not located in a city or busy area.
Gaviota, Goleta Highway Project Updates
Caltrans also is working to complete the construction of Highway 101 near the Gaviota Tunnel.
Traffic was reduced to one lane on the southbound section to allow for traffic improvements. Caltrans will be paving along the freeway, reconstructing the shoulders, placing concrete barriers in the meridian and adding new guardrails.
The project is expected to be completed this year and cost $50 million.
The northbound and southbound Gaviota rest stops will be open during this time, Caltrans said.
Shivers also said that the construction project to replace the southbound Highway 101 San Jose Creek Bridge is on schedule to be completed in June.
Construction crews have completed installing girders and the deck of the bridge.
“The fact that we haven’t had a lot of rain certainly helps the construction effort,” Shivers said.
