Expect Lane Closures and Detours on Highway 101 This Week as Major Work Continues in Montecito and Padaro

Construction along Highway 101 will continue for a two-week period in February, bringing scheduled lane closures, ramp restrictions, and traffic impacts across Santa Barbara South, Montecito, and Padaro.

The work began from February 8 and will through through February 21, 2026. Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through active construction zones, where a reduced speed limit of 55 mph remains in effect.

Lane Closures Along Highway 101 

Northbound Highway 101

Overnight lane closures are scheduled from Monday to Wednesday, February 9 to February 11, 2026. The closures will take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

One lane between the North Padaro Lane off-ramp and on-ramp will be closed during overnight work.

Daytime lane closures are scheduled Monday through Thursday, February 9-12, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., affecting one lane between Santa Monica Road and North Padaro Lane.

The South Padaro and Santa Claus Lane off-ramp will also be closed Tuesday, February 10, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Southbound Highway 101

Overnight lane closures are scheduled Monday through Wednesday, February 9-11, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The lane from Los Patos Way to San Ysidro Road, and the San Ysidro Road off-ramp, will be closed during this time. Along with this, the Spring and Olive Mill Road off-ramp will also remain closed.

Daytime closures are scheduled Monday through Thursday, February 9-12, with one lane closed between North Padaro Lane and Carpinteria Avenue from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Additional closures of the South Padaro and Santa Claus Lane off-ramp are scheduled Wednesday and Thursday, February 11-12, from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time as construction continues.

Other Closures

Several long-term closures remain in place. The southbound on-ramps at Posilipo Lane and Olive Mill Road will remain closed until spring 2026. Drivers are directed to use the Sheffield Drive on-ramp, with a detour available via North Jameson Road.

The Spring and Olive Mill Road off-ramp will also remain closed through spring 2026, with traffic redirected to the San Ysidro Road off-ramp.

Construction Updates

In Santa Barbara South, crews will continue building a new retaining wall along the southbound lanes, paving new roadway sections, upgrading drainage systems, installing electrical lighting connections, and constructing foundations for overhead signs.

In Montecito, crews will remove existing pavement, install new electrical infrastructure, and improve storm drain systems.

At the Romero, San Ysidro, and Oak Creek crossings, bridge work will continue with crews focused on approach slabs and structural side supports.

Additional work includes installing freeway safety barriers, continuing work on the southbound Olive Mill Road on-ramp, cleaning and painting safety barriers in the Padaro area, and ongoing landscaping along both sides of the highway.