Final Construction Phase of the Milpas Street at Highway 101 Improvement Project Resumes Mid-May 2026

The following are construction updates for the Milpas Street at U.S. Highway 101 Operational Improvements Project.

Upcoming Construction Starts Mid-May 2026:

•    Extension of the median south of the U.S. 101 underpass to the intersection of Milpas and Cacique Streets.
•    Left turns from southbound Milpas Street onto eastbound Cacique Street will be prohibited to  prevent traffic from backing onto southbound Highway 101.
Southbound U.S. 101 drivers wanting to travel north on Milpas Street will need to use the hook off-ramp (second Milpas Street North, Exit 96A). Message boards will be placed in advance to provide residents with the exact dates of this work. 

Completed Work: 

•    Concrete improvements on the east side of Milpas Street between Cacique and Hutash Streets, including a new raised northbound bike lane and connection to the bike-friendly Alisos Street.
•    Installation of new traffic signal equipment to support future traffic operations.
•    Paving on Milpas Street between the Roundabout and Calle Puerto Vallarta.
•    Traffic signal upgrades at the intersection of Milpas and Hutash Streets to allow on- and off-ramp traffic to operate at the same time, reducing delays.
•    Construction of a dedicated southbound left-turn lane from southbound Milpas Street onto Hutash Street.
•    Removal of left turns from the hook off-ramp (second Milpas Street North, Exit 96A) onto Milpas Street.
•    New trees, traffic signs, striping, and pavement markings along Milpas Street.

The Project is anticipated to be completed by end of May 2026.

This rendering shows the completed Project: 

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding during construction.

Learn More:

• Visit the Project website: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/MilpasHwy101
• Questions? Please email: MilpasHwy101@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
• Click here to watch the most recent webinar recording of the Milpas -101 Operational Improvements Project update.