A $26 million bridge replacement project on State Route 217 above San Jose Creek in Goleta, just north of the entrance to UCSB, is scheduled to begin in mid-April.

Construction will occur during the daytime and overnight hours. Motorists can expect traffic delays, as well as closures of the Sandspit Road on-ramps and off-ramps, periodic lane closures, and full highway closures with exact dates and times to be determined.

The bridge construction is expected to be complete in summer 2025. A follow-up plant establishment project will be complete in fall 2027.

According to nearby traffic volume stations, upwards of 5,200 vehicles travel the bridges every day.

A second project, costing $19.8 million, will begin this summer on the U.S. 101 San Jose Creek Bridge, just north of S.R. 217. The northbound and southbound bridges will be demolished and replaced in separate phases, keeping traffic open, but with fewer lanes.

The existing four-lane highway San Jose Creek Bridge was built in 1963. The new bridges have been designed to current standards and flood elevations. Caltrans will release more information on the project when details are certain.

Travelers are urged to allow extra time to reach their destinations because of the road projects, which are designed to improve infrastructure in the area.

Contractor for both projects is M.C.M. Construction, Inc. of North Highlands, California.