California Construction News staff writer
A $134 million state investment completes funding for the U.S. Highway 101 Multimodal Corridor through the City of Santa Barbara, pavingthe way for major infrastructure upgrades across the region.
The funding — the largest single award from California’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1) program — was approved unanimously by the California Transportation Commission last month. It was secured by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and Caltrans as part of the competitive SB1 Cycle 4 funding round. At $134 million, it is the largest SB1 funding award in the state to date.
“I am proud that the state doubled the community investment to bring necessary highway improvements to our region,” said state Sen. Monique Limón. “This is the largest SB1 investment in the state, and I am grateful that the Central Coast will have the opportunity to benefit from reduced traffic congestion and better roadway safety.”
Funding is now in place for the final segment of the Highway 101 project — extending from Olive Mill Road and Hermosillo Road to Sycamore Creek. Planned upgrades include peak-period carpool lanes, major interchange reconstruction at Cabrillo Boulevard, and new sidewalks, lighting and bike paths to improve mobility across Santa Barbara’s east side.
Granite Construction Company, serving under a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) contract, is anticipated to lead construction for the remaining segments. The CM/GC model was selected to allow early collaboration during the design phase and improve project delivery by reducing risk and increasing efficiency.
“Senate Bill 1 is one of California’s most transformative infrastructure investments,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart. “Without it, a project like this would have taken more than 50 years to complete.”
The project has been in the works since 2008, when construction began on the first phase between Milpas Street and Hot Springs Road. Since then, the corridor improvements have expanded across the region, delivering the Central Coast’s first carpool lane and enhancing safety and traffic flow in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Summerland and Montecito.
The corridor is expected to be fully completed by 2028, with construction on the Montecito and Santa Barbara (South) segments ongoing through 2026. Work on the Santa Barbara (North) segment is scheduled to begin in May 2026.
In addition to highway improvements, the SB1 funding includes eight fast-charging electric vehicle stations, replacement of aging rail bridges, and support for three zero-emission buses for the Coastal Express, which serves commuters between Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
“This truly feels like a full-circle milestone for Santa Barbara,” said Santa Barbara Mayor and SBCAG Chair Randy Rowse. “This moment belongs to the residents of Santa Barbara County. Their patience, their input, and their consistent support make it possible for us to reach the finish line.”
The project has been in the works since 2008, when construction began on the first phase between Milpas Street and Hot Springs Road. Since then, the corridor improvements have expanded across the region, delivering the Central Coast’s first carpool lane and enhancing safety and traffic flow in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Summerland and Montecito.
The corridor is expected to be completed by 2028, with construction on the Montecito and Santa Barbara (South) segments ongoing through 2026. Work on the Santa Barbara (North) segment is scheduled to begin in May 2026.
In addition to highway improvements, the SB1 funding includes eight fast-charging electric vehicle stations, replacement of aging rail bridges, and support for three zero-emission buses for the Coastal Express, which serves commuters between Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
For more information about the project or to sign up for construction updates, visit www.SBROADS.com, call (805) 845-5112, or email in**@*****DS.com.
