K-rail barriers go from construction look to works of art in downtown Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Several days of work have wrapped up to wrap up k-rails on State Street at Haley street in downtown Santa Barbara.

A contest was held with artists in Santa Barbara and Ventura submitting their ideas to beautify the k-rails that have been barriers to block traffic at the promenade entrance. They are semi-permanent features during the time when the promenade's future design is still being worked out.

The winning design by artist Andrew Thill shows different features of Santa Barbara including palm trees, historic buildings, dining symbols, biking, shopping and pets. Thill won a $1,500 award for his designs.

The contest was coordinated by The County Office of Arts and Culture and the City of Santa Barbara.

The barriers that formerly had a "construction look" now are covered in a vinyl wrap with the designs. They stretch out about 40 feet with an opening for emergency vehicles.