Final Funding Secured to Complete Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor

In the heart of Santa Barbara, local and state officials gathered  Thursday at the Michael Towbes Library Plaza to announce the final $134 million secured to  complete the Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor through the City of Santa Barbara. 

The $134 million award, approved unanimously by the California Transportation Commission last  month, was secured by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and  Department of Transportation (Caltrans) through Cycle 4 of the competitive Senate Bill 1 (SB1)  funding programs.  

“I am proud that the state doubled the community investment to bring necessary highway  improvements to our region,” said Senator Monique Limón. “This is the largest SB1 investment in 

the state, and I am grateful that the Central Coast will have the opportunity to benefit from reduced  traffic congestion and better roadway safety.”  

The investment completes the funding needed to construct the final Highway 101: Santa Barbara  segment—advancing construction from Olive Mill Road and Hermosillo Road to Sycamore Creek— and includes peak-period carpool lanes, major interchange reconstruction at Cabrillo Boulevard, and  multimodal improvements in the City of Santa Barbara. 

“Senate Bill 1 is one of California’s most transformative infrastructure investments,” said  Assemblymember Gregg Hart. “Without it, a project like this would have taken more than 50 years  to complete. This funding delivers real results now—reducing congestion, improving safety,  supporting over 14,000 local jobs, and strengthening the communities we serve.” 

Since launching the first phase of the Highway 101 corridor project—from Milpas Street to Hot  Springs Road—in 2008, SBCAG, Caltrans and their partners have led an effort to improve the safety  and operations of Highway 101 and deliver the Central Coast’s first-ever carpool lane. The project  also brings pedestrian, bicycle, transit, coastal access and local circulation improvements such as  roundabouts to the Cities of Carpinteria and Santa Barbara, as well as the unincorporated  communities of Summerland and Montecito.  

With Thursday’s funding announcement, officials confirmed the full corridor—from Santa Barbara  to Mussel Shoals—is on track for completion by 2028. 

“As Mayor—and someone who has seen this project from the start—this truly feels like a full-circle  milestone for Santa Barbara,” said SBCAG Chair and Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse. “This  moment belongs to the residents of Santa Barbara County. Their patience, their input, and their consistent support make it possible for us to reach the finish line—and to do so in a way that reflects  our character and priorities.” 

The SB1 award also funds new sidewalks and lighting in Santa Barbara’s Eastside, eight fast charging electric vehicle stations, replacement of aging rail bridges, and safer, dedicated routes for  walking and biking along Cabrillo Boulevard. The Ventura County Transportation Commission will  use a portion of the funding to purchase three zero-emission buses for the Coastal Express, further  improving sustainable connectivity between Ventura and Santa Barbara counties along the Pacific  coast. 

The announcement featured a ceremonial check presentation with California Transportation  Commission Chair Darnell Grisby and Vice Chair Clarissa Reyes Falcon.  

“The California Transportation Commission is proud to be a funding partner on this project,” said  Commission Chair Darnell Grisby. “The Santa Barbara US 101 Multimodal Corridor Project is a  wonderful example of how Senate Bill 1 dollars deliver the greatest return possible on investment  by improving the movement of goods, preserving the environment, creating good-paying jobs, and  reducing out-of-pocket costs for all Californians. Congratulations to the entire Santa Barbara region  on this exciting achievement.” 

Construction on the Highway 101 Montecito and Santa Barbara (South) segments is anticipated  through 2026. The Highway 101: Santa Barbara (North) segment, from Hermosillo Road to  Sycamore Creek, is expected to begin in May 2026.  

The public is encouraged to find more information about construction and sign up for biweekly  construction updates on the project’s website at www.SBROADS.com, or by calling (805) 845- 5112, or emailing info@SBROADS.com.

ABOUT SENATE BILL 1 

Senate Bill 1 (SB1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, has invested approximately  $5 billion annually toward transportation projects. It provides funding split between the state and  local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the  availability of funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. 

Visit build.ca.gov to learn about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities  throughout California.