Lower State Street Opens In Both Directions Friday

Work crews are putting in the finishing touches on lower State Street in Santa Barbara.

On Friday, city crews will reopen the northbound side of lower State Street, allowing traffic to flow in both directions to and from the popular waterfront.

Detours went up months ago as the Entrada project goes up, now in its tenth month. Friday’s reopening comes just in time for heavy traffic and large crowds expected for the upcoming Fourth of July celebration.

“We expect upwards of 50,000 people to be here on Monday,” said Dominique Samario, Public Information Officer for the City of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront. “So having State Street open in both directions has just been critical in the flow of traffic, the flow of pedestrians and we are so grateful that the project is running on time.”

Sarmario said parking lots are expected to fill up early Monday, and extra bike racks can be found along Cabrillo Blvd. and at the Harbor.

Santa Barbara’s Fourth of July daylong celebration goes from noon to 9:00 pm, then the 20 minute fireworks show goes off from West Beach, simulcast to patriotic music on 92.9 KJEE.