101 Gaviota Update
updated: Jul 20, 2012, 4:11 PM

Source: Caltrans

As the emergency roadwork on US Highway 101 near the Gaviota tunnel progresses, northbound traffic is tentatively scheduled to shift back to its normal lanes by 9 pm tomorrow evening, Saturday, July 21, Caltrans officials have announced.

However, one lane in each direction will remains closed 24/7 until the end of next week, while transition work to restore the original traffic condition continues. Motorists should still expect moderate delays.

Northbound lanes of Hwy. 101 were closed and traffic redirected onto the southbound roadway on Tuesday, July 10 to replace a failing drainage culvert under the highway.

These emergency repairs were necessary to prevent more serious, long-term roadway damage and to maintain a safe highway condition. Southbound traffic is still reduced down to one lane beginning at the Nojoqui Grade. Both Gaviota Roadside Rest Areas also remain closed indefinitely.

The speed limit in the area has been temporarily reduced and motorists may encounter slow-moving trucks due to the grades and curves in this area. The CHP is patrolling the project area to enhance traffic safety and electronic message signs are posted to advise motorists.

In addition, the northbound 101 left-turn pocket into Gaviota State Park remains closed. Motorists will be detoured north to the Hwy. 101/1 Interchange before returning to the park. Also, motorists exiting the State Park must turn right onto southbound Hwy. 101 to the Mariposa/Reina interchange, where they can turn around to go northbound.

The contractor for this $1.5 million emergency repair project is Granite Construction of Santa Barbara.

Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through Caltrans construction zones. For traffic updates on other state highway projects in Santa Barbara County, motorists can call Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or visit the District 5 website at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/road_information.htm.

The northbound lanes of Highway 101 near the Gaviota tunnel are tentatively scheduled to shift back to their normal configuration on Saturday night. (07/21/12)

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