Highway 101 bridge widening project underway south of Buellton

BUELLTON, Calif. - Bridge upgrades are underway along Highway 101 near Buellton this week.

Caltrans announced the construction on Thursday saying the bridge at Nojoqui Creek just south of Santa Rosa Road will be widened and railings will be replaced.

The project is expected to extend the lifespan of the structure and improve its safety with more modern bridge rails.

“US 101 is an essential corridor on the central coast that serves commuters, tourists and commercial transportation,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “This SB 1-funded project is a vital investment in fixing our bridges and supporting the efficient movement of goods and people throughout the region."

As a result of this project, drivers will experience lane closures on the southbound US 101 Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Northbound US 101 lane closures will take place Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

One lane will also be closed in each direction across the Nojoqui Creek Bridge 24/7 through the end of the year.

Caltrans said traffic delays should be no longer than 15 minutes.

The $5.9 million project is completely funded by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

This project, headed by Spectrum Construction Group of Irvine, CA, should be completed by spring 2022.

For more information about other state transportation projects funded by SB 1, visit rebuildingca.ca.gov.

For traffic updates in Santa Barbara County, motorists may call Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or can visit the Caltrans District 5 website here.