CalTrans’ plans to straighten the curve south of the Gaviota Tunnel will narrow northbound lanes of Highway 101 from next week through to September 2016. Along that stretch, concrete barriers will render closed the left turn toward Hollister Ranch and Gaviota State Park, as well as the left-hand turn from Gaviota Beach Road onto northbound 101. To get to the west side of the highway, motorists must continue north to the State Route 1 overpass north of the tunnel.
The construction zone runs between Mariposa Reina and the Gaviota rest area. Traffic delays of up to 10 minutes will be announced on electronic message boards. The project, undertaken by Souza Construction of San Luis Obispo at a cost of $6.6 million, is expected to finish in December, weather permitting.