Give the Overpass Project a Once-Over

The City of Goleta will be hosting an open house next Wednesday to present information on the proposed Highway 101 Overcrossing Project.

The upcoming meeting is a follow-up to a similar event held last February which introduced the project and a range of alignment alternatives. At that time, city officials told residents that they would return with a refined group of alternatives in October.

The Highway 101 Overcrossing Project will create a new automobile/pedestrian overpass to traverse Highway 101 and the railroad tracks between Storke Road and Winchester Canyon Road. A new overpass has been in the city’s plans for a number of years which, said city officials, is designed to improve automobile circulation and provide a safer and more convenient route for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The project is partially funded by voter-approved Measure A sales tax money.

Thirteen possible alignments were originally identified and presented at the February open house. Based on community feedback and a feasibility study, a fourth alternative has been added.

The four alternatives are:

1. Alternative A4 – Connects Hollister Ave/Entrance Rd Intersection south of the freeway to Calle Real/Brandon Dr Intersection north of the freeway

2. Alternative A6 – Connects Hollister Ave/Entrance Rd Intersection south of the freeway to Calle Real/San Rossano Dr Intersection north of the freeway

3. Alternative C5 – Connects Hollister Ave/Entrance Rd Intersection south of the freeway to Calle Real about 200’ west of Baker Lane north of the freeway

4. Alternative A7 – Connects Hollister Ave/Ellwood Station Road south of the freeway to Calle Real/San Rossano Drive north of the freeway.

These four alignments will be on display, including a summary of project developments based on public comment from the February 2010 meeting. The public will have an opportunity to view video traffic simulations of how each potential alignment will operate. The simulation will also show what traffic would look like if no new overpass is built. Members of the Project Development Team will be present to explain the work to date, answer questions and discuss ideas in an informal format.

The Open House will be held on October 27 from 5-8 p.m. at Brandon School, located at 195 Brandon Drive in Goleta. Attendees are invited to drop in at any point during the scheduled hours. A Spanish language translator will be available.

Additional information is available through the project message line at (805) 562-0362 or via email at rgaglione@cityofgoleta.org.