A constant stream of traffic passes through Goleta’s Old Town, a neighborhood that mixes industrial businesses and homes, and where passing trucks are as likely to be a Peterbilt hauling a load of cement as a GMC carrying kids to dance class. By March 2, the City of Goleta promises, the twin roundabouts will open at Hollister Avenue where State Route 217 crosses overhead to permit traffic to flow more freely.
Impatient drivers currently pass through K-rails marking sinuous lanes of roadway and abrupt lane changes. In just over a week, the muddy mass of construction will miraculously transform into the two roundabouts, approaches to and from Dearborn Place and Ward Drive, and onramps and offramps for the 217. However, the ramps for the 217 will close early — the evening of February 27 through the morning of March 2 — as they are completed.
Construction on the roundabouts and bridge over San Pedro Creek will still be ongoing as of March 2, advised Kelly Hoover, spokesperson for the city. “While the roundabouts will be open to traffic, additional work will continue, with overall project completion anticipated in spring 2027,” she said.
The roundabout map provided by the city shows crosswalks passing over each stretch of road. Sidewalks will be open on both sides of the street, though they may close temporarily as needed, Hoover said. The posted speed for drivers will be 25mph through the roundabouts…