The City of Goleta has entered a new phase of its major infrastructure initiative, Project Connect, with crews continuing both daytime and overnight work along Hollister Avenue at the Highway 217 interchange. This week, the City’s contractor is preparing for a key shift in construction activity.

Starting Friday, May 9, traffic patterns will change significantly as the project transitions from work on the north side of the Hollister Avenue Bridge to the south side. According to the City, this will require a new alignment that directly affects vehicle access to and from southbound Highway 217.

“Left turns from southbound Highway 217 to eastbound Hollister Avenue will be prohibited,” the City stated. “Left turns from westbound Hollister Avenue to southbound Highway 217 will also be prohibited.”

In response to the changes, the City has outlined detour routes to help maintain traffic flow and pedestrian safety through the construction area. Drivers are advised to remain alert as vehicles and pedestrians now share road space in certain zones.

Detour Routes

• To reach southbound Highway 217 from Ward Drive: Turn right onto eastbound Hollister Avenue, then left on S. Patterson Avenue, followed by another left onto Highway 217. Stay in the left lane to merge.
• From westbound Hollister Avenue to southbound Highway 217: Turn left on S. Fairview Avenue, right onto Fowler Road, left at Moffett Place, and finally left again to access the UCSB onramp to southbound Highway 217.

The City notes these detours will remain in effect until the end of May 2025, when another traffic shift will occur. Details of the upcoming changes will be provided on the project’s official site at www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect.

Project Connect Progress

Since construction began in March 2024, Project Connect has already achieved a number of milestones. Crews have completed the northern portion of the Hollister Avenue Bridge, installed a soil-nail retaining wall at the Highway 217 off-ramp, realigned Dearborn Place, and installed key drainage infrastructure and temporary traffic signals. Substantial vegetation removal and grading have also been completed along the planned Ekwill Street Extension.

The scope of Project Connect is wide-ranging, aiming to improve east-west mobility through Old Town Goleta, bolster pedestrian access and safety, and increase stormwater capacity in San Jose Creek. Upon completion, the project will include:

• The Ekwill Street and Fowler Road Extensions
• Hollister Avenue Bridge Replacement
• Two new roundabouts on Hollister Avenue at the Highway 217 interchange
• The Hollister Avenue Interim Striping Project
• Flood control improvements in San Jose Creek

“Upon completion, this project will enhance pedestrian access and safety, improve road conditions, and build critical linkage throughout Goleta while increasing stormwater flow capacity in San Jose Creek under Hollister Bridge,” the City stated.

Project Connect is scheduled for completion by Spring 2027. Once finished, it will provide improved infrastructure and safer, more reliable east-west access for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

“The City understands that projects such as this can be inconvenient,” officials said, “and we appreciate your patience.”

Originally reported by City Of Goleta in EDHAT.