Homeless camp removed along Highway 101 in Goleta

Caltrans cleaned out a homeless encampment on the side of Highway 101 in Goleta.

Crews began removing trees and debris Friday morning between Fairview Avenue and Patterson Avenue heading southbound.

The work closed the far right lane of southbound traffic.

Members of the encampment and their belongings could be seen on the other side of a fence separating the side of the freeway and the railroad tracks.

Caltrans says it removed the camp to maintain a safe environment for those driving on the freeway and because these camps can create hazards such as fires.