Expect Highway 101 Closures This Week in Santa Barbara and Montecito

Drivers traveling through Santa Barbara and Montecito should expect overnight lane and ramp closures along Highway 101 in coming days as construction continues on the widening project.

Closures are scheduled between February 22 and March 7, 2026, as crews continue work on the Santa Barbara South and Montecito segments.

Highway 101 Lane Closures

On northbound Highway 101, one lane will be closed between South Padaro Lane/Santa Claus Lane and North Padaro Lane on Wednesday and Thursday, February 25 and 26, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. according the construction update

On southbound Highway 101, one lane will be closed between North Padaro Lane and South Padaro Lane/Santa Claus Lane on February 25 and 26 from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

An additional southbound lane closure is scheduled Thursday, February 26, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., between Milpas Street and Sheffield Drive. During that time, the San Ysidro Road off-ramp will also be closed consecutively with the Spring/Olive Mill Road off-ramp.

Several ramp closures are currently in effect in addition to the lane restrictions.

The Posilipo Lane southbound on-ramp will continue to be closed until spring 2026. Authorities have suggested drivers to instead use the Sheffield Drive on-ramp.

The Olive Mill Road on-ramp is also closed until spring 2026. Drivers are advised to detour via North Jameson Lane to access the freeway at the Sheffield Drive on-ramp.

The Spring/Olive Mill Road off-ramp will also be closed until spring 2026. Drivers can use the San Ysidro Road off-ramp as an alternative.

Officials are reminding motorists that the speed limit is reduced to 55 mph through construction zones and are urging drivers to slow down and remain alert.

Apart from this, crews are also preparing to construct an ADA-compliant ramp at the intersection of Coast Village Road and Hermosillo Road.

Hermosillo Road will be closed at Coast Village Road during that work. Officials are yet to announce details about timing and access related to this closure.

Hwy 101: Santa Barbara to Mussel Shoals project

In the Montecito segment, crews are adding a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction between Romero Creek Bridge and Olive Mill Road.

The project also includes new on- and off-ramps, auxiliary lanes between San Ysidro and Olive Mill roads, and replacement bridges over Romero, San Ysidro, and Oak creeks. Construction began in June 2023 and is expected to continue through 2026.

The project’s funding comes from Measure A, Senate Bill 1, and other state and regional sources.

The Santa Barbara South segment, located between Olive Mill and Hermosillo roads, includes new carpool lanes, upgraded safety barriers, sound walls, and improved ramps.

Northbound lanes have been completed, and work continues on the southbound side. The segment is funded by Measure A, Senate Bill 1, and state gas tax revenues.