Goleta Approves $3.5 Million Armitos Bridge

Goleta City Council voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of the Armitos Pedestrian and Bike Bridge Project after a revised presentation by Deputy Public Works Director Kathy Garcia. The project entails a bridge crossing San Jose Creek and connecting the west and east ends of Old Town’s Armitos Avenue north of Hollister.

According to Garcia, the recommended design includes seven-foot bike lanes painted green. Council can restrict traffic for vehicles that exceed a yet-to-be established weight limit, but emergency response vehicles would be exempt.

The primary points of discussion offered by council dealt with bridge stability, size, and strength, as well as the current absence of public sidewalks. Mayor Pro Tempore Tony Vallejo suggested enforcing the bridge’s weight limit by restricting the permitted number of axles on vehicles. Regarding the unanimous decision to move forward, he called it “nice to have the [points] where we all agree.”

Eve Sanford, Advocacy Associate at the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, showed up to support the Armitos Bridge. “We appreciate the connection, and we are excited that this project is creating lanes [in Old Town].” In addition to improving public transportation nearby, the bridge is part of a larger plan to connect Cathedral Oaks Road to Goleta Beach via bike paths.

The estimated total cost of the project is $3.5 million. The city anticipates it will be mostly funded by grants. Next, city staff will return to the council with a funding plan and schedule.