Highway 101: Santa Barbara North

Project Overview

Highway 101: Santa Barbara North will add a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction between Hermosillo Road and Salinas Street. The Cabrillo Boulevard Interchange will be reconstructed with two new bridges and right-hand freeway ramps, including a new southbound on-ramp.

On Cabrillo Boulevard, a new teardrop roundabout will help improve traffic flow at the intersection with the Highway 101 northbound ramps. The Highway 101 southbound off-ramp at Los Patos Way will be closed permanently due to low clearance under the railroad. Funding is provided by Senate Bill 1, state and federal gas taxes, and Measure A.

Santa Barbara Phase 4E North Components Map

Roadway Improvements

Project Timeline

The timeline is a reference tool to show planned improvements and key closures. The timing may change to accommodate modifications from the contractor, weather delays, and to improve construction.

Construction is scheduled from summer 2023 through 2026. Landscaping activities will continue into 2027. Highway 101 will have 2 lanes open in each direction during daytime construction. There will be nighttime closures with signed detours as needed.

Timeline of construction activities for Santa Barbara North
City of Santa Barbara, California

Cabrillo Blvd
Undercrossing & Los Patos
Roundabout

The City is leading work to replace the Cabrillo Boulevard railroad undercrossing between Highway 101 and Los Patos Way to improve circulation for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. This project will provide safety and access improvements on a key part of the California Coastal Trail in Santa Barbara. The railroad undercrossing improvements are anticipated to begin 2028.

At Los Patos Way and Cabrillo Boulevard, the City installed a new roundabout in 2025 that improves circulation between the beach, Montecito, the neighborhood, and local businesses.

Learn More About Cabrillo
& Los Patos
Cabrillo Undercrossing
Los Patos Roundabout

Highway 101: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara is a project undertaken by Caltrans and SBCAG in cooperation with local agencies to add a new carpool lane in each direction between Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. The project will improve bridges, interchanges, on- and off-ramps, and add sound walls.

City of Carpinteria, California County of Santa Barbara, California City of Santa Barbara, California