Final Segment of Highway 101 Widening Starts Spring 2026
The final segment of the Highway 101 widening project is moving forward. The public is invited to attend a community meeting on December 2 at 5:30 pm at the Cabrillo Pavilion to learn more about upcoming improvements and early pre-construction work.
The Highway 101: Santa Barbara North segment will complete the addition of 10.9 miles of peak-period carpool lanes and finish the flagship Measure A project, Highway 101: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara North segment includes:
- A new peak-period carpool lane in each direction between Hermosillo Road and Salinas Street
- A fully reconstructed Cabrillo Boulevard Interchange with two new bridges and right-hand on- and off-ramps, including a new southbound on-ramp
- A teardrop roundabout at Cabrillo Boulevard and the Highway 101 northbound ramps to improve traffic circulation
- Permanent closure of the southbound off-ramp at Los Patos Way due to low railroad clearance
- Reconstructed freeway lanes to improve sight distance and meet current safety standards
- Updated storm drains, enhanced lighting, and new overhead signs
The project is fully funded with construction to begin in the spring and continue through 2028 (see map below). Early activities include vegetation clearing between mid-December and January, ahead of bird nesting season. Due to the height of the trees, most of the clearing will occur at night and will include lane and ramp closures. Noise is anticipated throughout day and night shifts during vegetation clearing.
The public is invited to attend a community meeting to learn more about the project timeline, construction strategy, and freeway improvements on:
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025…