Regional Projects
A number of major transportation infrastructure projects are underway in Santa Barbara County that will improve and enhance the road and highway network in the region. Funding for these projects comes from a variety of sources, including ongoing state and federal transportation programs, grants and other competitive opportunities, and the Measure A Transportation Investment Program.
U.S. 101 Santa Maria River Bridges
This project will widen the bridges over the Santa Maria River from two to three lanes each. At the completion of the project both northbound and southbound directions will have three 12-foot wide lanes with 10-foot wide shoulders. The entire bridge deck will be resurfaced as part of the project. A bicycle path will be constructed along the southbound lanes of the freeway to connect the Santa Maria Levee bikeway to San Luis Obispo County bikeways. In addition to State Proposition 1B funds, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) has contributed $7.8 million in Measure A funds and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) another $2.5 million. Construction is underway and the project is expected to be completed in 2014. Learn more
U.S. 101/Union Valley Parkway Interchange
The project will construct a new interchange at Highway 101 and Union Valley Parkway in the Santa Maria Valley. The new interchange will include both northbound and southbound on and off ramps, and Union Valley Parkway will link up with other segments of the parkway either recently built or to be constructed, providing access for Orcutt residents and businesses, and the industrial centers near the Santa Maria Airport to Highway 101. The project should also assist in relieving congestion at the nearby Clark Avenue and Santa Maria Way interchanges. The project is in the design phase and is expected to begin construction in late 2012/early 2013. Learn more
Highway 246 Passing Lanes
This project includes a number of safety and operational improvements to be constructed on Highway 246 between Buellton and Lompoc. The project is being implemented in phases with Phase I focusing on improvements on the western end of the corridor from east of Cebada Canyon Road to Santa Rita Road, approximately four miles. The project improvements includes a westbound and eastbound passing lane, sight distance improvements at Tularosa Road, and turning lanes at several public road intersections. Phase I of the project is in the early design phase and construction is anticipated to start in 2013. The project is funded through a combination of Measure A sales tax and state gas tax funds. Learn more
