Millions of dollars come in to finish the freeway widening project in Montecito
MONTECITO, Calif – After years of planning and a collaboration of state and federal funding, the Highway 101 improvements are receiving a major boost to finish the project.
The California Transportation Commission has authorized $132.4 million for the Highway 101 Montecito segment.
Representatives from federal, state and local levels have come together to make the announcement.
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) said this is the second highest-funded project in California to receive competitive Senate Bill 1 program funding.
A locally approved tax, Measure A, generated funds that, combined with state and federal allocations, made the project possible. Assemblyman Gregg Hart (D)-37th District, who formerly worked at SBCAG said, "because they want to fund projects that are invested by local voters and taxpayers and that's exactly what's happening. " He said, "people can see the progress."
He said it is not an easy project and they are keeping two lanes open in each direction throughout the duration.
California Transportation Commissioner Hillary Norton said if there is a self-help county, "it puts you at the top of the list."
This project, which is more than 17 years in the making, is an effort to improve safety, reduce congestion and support alternative transportation efforts.
Currently, the majority of the work is taking place north of Padaro Lane, after the completion of the Carpinteria segment. New bridges and ramps are being built along with two roundabouts at Olive Mill and North Jameson Lane.
A roundabout at the southbound entrance to Highway 101 on Santa Claus Lane was recently completed along with a new bike lane, protected from freeway traffic.
This is one of the most traveled routes in California and is a major north-south corridor for commerce and tourism.
It is also a vital emergency evacuation route in the event of a major fire, flood or earthquake.
Congressman Salud Carbajal (D)-24th District who has followed this project for years said at one point 2026 was the timeline to finish but it will likely be 2028. "Certainly it's taken longer than we would like but it was essential to get it right and I think we are at the tail end . I see the finish line and it's going to be great for the quality of life for all Central Coast residents"
By keeping the funding going without a time period for more approvals Santa Barbara County Supervisor and Chairman of the Board for 2023, Das Williams said, a delay would be costly "and increase costs from destaging construction and having to restage construction and so this is really good news for all local residents. "
On hand was Vincent Mammano from the Federal Highway Administration. He said, "I saw the impact that projects like this are gonna have on this community and adjacent communities and the country because this is a major corridor for our country. "
He said moving traffic efficiently here has regional and national benefits for goods and services.
State Senator Monique Limon (D)-19th District said she is on the corridor often since her district is in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. "I know what this means to the average member of the Central Coast who is driving and I know how important it is to finish this project!"
Carbajal also said this project will be good for employment and the economy. "And what does that mean? Jobs. Jobs. Jobs !"
For more information go to: SBROADS.com or SBCAG.org
For more from John, follow him on Twitter below:
Follow @JohnPalminteri
