Caltrans Work to Close 101

To reduce the amount of falling rocks above Highway 101 near the Gaviota Tunnel, Caltrans crews will soon begin removing precarious boulders. The project will necessitate intermittent closures of northbound lanes over the course of two days.

Workers will scale the steep slope near the Gaviota rest area on Tuesday, July 13, and Wednesday, July 14, between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. A Caltrans spokesperson said drivers can expect 10-minute full closures of the northbound lanes, with delays not to exceed 15-20 minutes. Single-lane closures are also possible from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The contractor — Carpinteria-based AIS Construction — will also eventually install a rock fall protection system, and the project is expected to cost around $700,000.

For traffic updates on other state highway projects in Santa Barbara County, call Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at (805) 568-0858 or visit the District 5 Web site.