Project Update: Milpas Street Improvements

The following are construction updates for the Milpas Street at U.S. Highway 101 Operational Improvements Project.

Completed Work

• Concrete improvements on the east side of Milpas Street between Cacique and Hutash Streets, including a new raised northbound bike lane and connection to the bike-friendly Alisos Street.
• Installation of new traffic signal equipment to support future traffic operations.
• Paving on Milpas Street between the roundabout and Calle Puerto Vallarta.

Upcoming Work – Starting January 20, 2026

• Traffic signal upgrades at the intersection of Milpas and Hutash Streets to allow on- and off-ramp traffic to operate at the same time, reducing delays.
• Construction of a dedicated southbound left-turn lane from southbound Milpas Street onto Hutash Street.
• Removal of left turns from the hook off-ramp (second Milpas Street North, Exit 96A) onto Milpas Street.
  To travel south on Milpas Street toward the Waterfront, use the first Milpas Street off-ramp (Milpas Street South, Exit 96B).
• New trees, traffic signs, striping, and pavement markings along Milpas Street.

Planned for Spring 2026

• Extension of the median south of the U.S. 101 underpass to the intersection of Milpas and Cacique Streets.
• Left turns from southbound Milpas Street onto eastbound Cacique Street will be prohibited to improve safety and prevent southbound freeway off-ramp backup that currently exist.

Southbound U.S. 101 drivers wanting to travel north on Milpas Street will need to use the hook off-ramp (second Milpas Street North, Exit 96A).

The Project is anticipated to be completed mid-spring 2026.  

These renderings show the completed Project: 

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding during construction.

Learn more:

• Visit the Project website: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/MilpasHwy101
• Questions? Please email: MilpasHwy101@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
• Click here to watch the most recent webinar recording of the Milpas -101 Operational Improvements Project update.