Expect Highway 101 Closures and Traffic Controls in Santa Barbara and Montecito

Several ramps along Highway 101 in Santa Barbara and Montecito will remain closed through spring 2026 as construction continues on freeway lanes, safety barriers, and bridge improvements as part of the ongoing widening project.

Construction is scheduled to continue from March 8 through March 21 as work progresses across both the Santa Barbara South and Montecito segments.

Crews are carrying out multiple activities, including paving freeway lanes, grading soil, installing electrical connections for lighting, and placing concrete blocks that will form new sound walls along parts of the corridor.

The southbound on-ramp at Posilipo Lane and the southbound on-ramp at Olive Mill Road are both closed and are expected to remain closed until spring 2026. Drivers are advised to take the detour via North Jameson Lane and enter Highway 101 using the Sheffield Drive on-ramp.

The southbound off-ramp at Spring/Olive Mill Road is also closed through spring 2026. Drivers who need to exit in this area should use the San Ysidro Road off-ramp.

Officials advise drivers to use alternative routes while these ramps remain closed.

Drivers traveling along South Jameson Lane may encounter temporary traffic controls as construction continues nearby. Flaggers may direct traffic between Posilipo Lane and Danielson Road while crews install safety barriers along the corridor.

These traffic controls are in place to protect both drivers and workers during construction activities.

Additionally, a traffic change is planned in the coming weeks, with crews preparing to build an ADA-compliant ramp at the intersection of Coast Village Road and Hermosillo Road. During this work, Hermosillo Road will be closed at the intersection with Coast Village Road.

Officials asked drivers traveling through the construction area to remain cautious and alert, as the speed limit has been reduced to 55 mph throughout the area to help protect both construction crews and motorists.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow posted signs, and be prepared for changing traffic conditions while traveling through the area.

Santa Barbara South Construction

In the Santa Barbara South segment, crews continue to advance several elements of the freeway expansion. Construction teams are also installing fencing and electrical connections that will support roadway lighting.

Additional work is underway to build foundations for overhead freeway signs. Along the corridor near Butterfly Lane and Olive Mill Road, crews are continuing construction of sound walls and carrying out improvements to the storm drainage system.

Montecito Construction

Construction is also moving forward in the Montecito segment of the project. Crews are grading soil and paving base layers that will support the new southbound freeway lanes. Work is also continuing on the installation of concrete safety barriers designed to improve protection for drivers along the corridor.

These efforts are part of broader improvements to ramp areas and freeway lanes aimed at enhancing safety and traffic flow in the area.

Several bridges along the route are also under construction, including the Romero Creek, San Ysidro Creek, and Oak Creek bridges. Crews are continuing work on approach slabs that connect the bridges to the roadway and are beginning installation of new safety barriers at these locations.