Caltrans plans to open one lane of the 154 by the the Fourth of July

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Caltrans crews and CalPortland crews are working together along Highway 154 to help people get to their holiday destinations.

Caltrans spokesperson Genelle Padilla said they hope to open one lane soon.

"Caltrans plans to implement one-way reversing traffic control on Highway 154 between Painted Cave Road and San Antonio Creek road sometime on July Fourth," said Padilla. "We will announce a specific time once that is confirmed by our Caltrans field engineers."

The lane that would open is closest to the hillside.

Crews have been filling in cracks that led to the complete closure on June 21.

They blame winter storms on the needed repairs.

"Right now our drilling operation is still underway to stabilize and monitor any movement in the area and we are still working on that timeline for a full reopening of Highway 154."

The 154 closure has increased traffic on the 101 between Buellton and Gaviota and Goleta.

That adds about 7.5 miles to most commutes.

The opening of one lane will allow drivers to travel between Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez.

It will also make it easier to get to Cachuma Lake from Santa Barbara.

Although businesses have stayed open during the repairs the reopening is likely to boost business along the 154.

Vincent Escueta who lives in Santa Barbara said he takes the route to get to Solvang and Cold Spring Tavern.

"That is one of my favorite places to go and just drinking a beer, a good thing to do on a Saturday," said Escueta.

Jerred Hicks, who lives in Goleta, is looking forward to the 154 reopening.

"We are going to have so many travelers coming through Santa Barbara and the fact that they have done this work to make sure drivers will be safe is awesome," said Hicks, " I think it will be amazing, get people up and down the 154 and help the 101 traffic. "

Drivers should prepare to be patient.

For more information visit https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov