Chapter 1 - Caltrans - State of California

Chapter 1 Proposed Project
between the Seacliff interchange and Carpinteria. There is an existing non-standard
bicycle facility located on the southbound U.S. 101 between the U.S. 101/150
Interchange and the Seacliff exit. Just south of Bates Road Interchange there is a 2 mile
section with a non-standard striped bikeway adjacent to the travel lane, with a 3-foot
buffer between the bikeway and emergency parking lane, that ends several feet before the
off-ramp to Mussel Shoals. The existing NB non-standard bikeway connects to the U.S.
101 from the frontage road (Old Rincon Highway) just south of Mussel Shoals and
continues to the U.S. 101/150 Interchange. After the intersection of U.S.101 and Old
Rincon Road, the NB bicycle facility consists of a variable shoulder with non-standard
pavement markings. The bikeway is part of the Pacific Coast bicycle route and is
frequently used for recreational and charitable bicycle rides. Emergency shoulder
parking is allowed from south of Bates Road Interchange to north of the community of
Mussel Shoals.
A Union Pacific Railroad track runs parallel to the US 101, approximately 50 feet east of
the northbound edge of U.S 101 and 62 feet from the western edge of Seaside Ave in La
Conchita. It continues northbound until the Wave Overhead Bridge where it crosses
under the U.S.101 to the southside until the northern project limits. The railroad property
within the project limits varies in width from approximately 60 to 100 feet.
There are four structures: Bates Road Undercrossing (Bridge No. 51-279 L) located in
Ventura County and the Wave Overhead (Bridge No. 51-229 R/L) and structures at the
U.S. 101/SR 150 Interchange and Bailard Avenue Interchange located in Santa Barbara
County.
Purpose and Need
1.1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this project is to improve mobility by reducing existing and forecasted
traffic congestion on U.S. 101 within the project limits. This project would reduce
congestion and is expected to enhance traffic operations by adding capacity in an area
that experiences delays during peak hours and enhance safety within the project limits,
while minimizing environmental and socio-economic impacts. Constructing a HOV lane
in this area is a critical element to improve operations as identified in regional
transportation planning studies including the SBCAG 101 In Motion Plan and VCTC
Congestion Management Program and the Department’s TCR. The proposed project is
intended to achieve the following goals:
IS/EA VEN-SB US101 HOV Project 5