Highway 166 between Guadalupe and Santa Maria needs two lanes each direction, a new traffic signal, turn lanes, better lighting and more, according a study looking to improve safety along the route in the future. 

The Highway 166 Comprehensive Corridor Study evaluates a 7.4-mile portion of Highway 166 (also known as West Main Street) stretching from Highway 1 in Guadalupe to Depot Street in Santa Maria. Most of the route sits amid farm fields and large ag coolers. 

Travelers along the two-lane route include a combination of commuters between Guadalupe and Santa Maria, ag vehicles including big rigs plus tractors pulling trailers, and traffic related to Bonita Elementary School. 

The study identifies projects needed to improve safety and mobility while facilitating essential agricultural operations on the stretch of 166 plus nearby parallel routes. The report signals a key first step driving creation and funding for future projects several years in the future.

An eleventh-hour suggestion that arose from the North County Subregional Planning Committee includes the four-lane option, but the design details remain uncertain, the 166 Stakeholder Advisory Committee heard Monday. Representatives from the ag industry, business community and others made up the panel.

“We’re very supportive of four lanes between Santa Maria and Guadalupe but want to make sure that the design is safe and efficient,” said Claire Wineman, president of the Grower-Shipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

While a traffic signal has been proposed for 166 and Simas Road, the study mentions the possibility of a roundabout at the intersection of Betteravia and Mahoney roads plus another at Betteravia Road and Highway 101.

“We have concerns about roundabouts in areas that are frequented by agricultural vehicles and equipment. We don’t believe that’s a compatible use,” Wineman said. 

The ag community vehemently opposed a roundabout proposed for 166 and Black Road, leading to the installation of a traffic signal instead. 

For growers, transporting produce involves more than convenience.

“Delays in getting fresh produce to coolers can significantly reduce the shelf life of that product, and we certainly wouldn’t want to see fresh produce losses due to these delays,” she added. 

One top project would add a traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 166 and Simas Road west of the Guadalupe city limits, along with turn lanes. 

In addition to the project at the 166/Simas intersection, another suggested improvement is widening Bonita School Road to include a two-way left-turn lane and electric speed feedback signs.

Bonita Elementary School, at the corner of Highway 166 and Bonita School Road, has approximately 530 students attending transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. 

Other minor improvements should occur at the intersection of 166 and Ray Road plus 166 and Hanson Way. 

The study also calls for paving driveway aprons to boost safety and reduce dust along with enhancing lighting at various locations. 

Truck safety improvements and better rideshare transit options also are addressed.

Some projects such as better lighting and paved driveway aprons could be done within five years, but others including those proposed for Simas, Bonita School and Ray roads would be at least five to 15 years away.

The report also notes projects already funded and nearing the start. These include the Caltrans projects to install new signals at the intersections of Highways 166/1 and 166/Obispo Street plus a four-way stop control at 166/Flower Avenue. 

The state agency’s plan also calls for bike lanes and curb ramp upgrades on 166 from Hanson Way and Highway 101 ramps in Santa Maria. 

The prioritization of projects moving  forward will involve future decisions from the SBCAG board and follows a 2019 study in the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Another study getting underway next year will address Highway 135 concerns in the Santa Maria Valley. 

And SBCAG is pursuing funds for a similar study on key routes in the Lompoc Valley including segments of Highway 1 plus Highway 246. 

The various studies help identify long-range transportation projects that then can be prioritized — and funded via various sources.

“Each of these studies contributes to a broader menu of projects for the board to prioritize in the future,” said Mike Becker, director of planning for the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments.

It’s up to the SBCAG Board of Directors, made of county supervisors and members of the eight city councils. 

SBCAG’s board will hear about the 166 Corridor report during the Jan. 15 meeting.