GOLETA, Santa Barbara County — October 24, 2026. Goleta’s Project Connect is more than one street repair: the city describes it as its largest capital improvement undertaking, combining safer walking routes, roadway connections and major drainage works near San Jose Creek and Old Town. Its Hollister Avenue and Highway 217 roundabouts have been open since March 2026, while the city’s published schedule anticipates other Project Connect improvements extending into spring 2027.
What is already open?
In a March 2 announcement, the City of Goleta confirmed the roundabouts on Hollister Avenue near Highway 217 were open. The junctions include access to Highway 217 ramps and nearby streets such as Dearborn Place and Ward Drive. The city cautioned at that time that some finishing work, landscaping and other features would follow the initial opening. It did not claim the entire Project Connect program was finished.
Where the larger construction extends
The city’s official Project Connect portal breaks the works into locations including Hollister Avenue, Ekwill Street and the South Kellogg/Fowler Road area. The city identifies pedestrian access, road conditions, transport links and the stormwater capacity of San Jose Creek under Hollister Bridge as central project objectives. The page provides maps for each area. Readers should use those current maps and agency notices to identify a closure affecting a specific trip; an overall 2027 project horizon does not mean every worksite is closed continuously until then.
Why roundabout design matters to local travelers
Drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and businesses using the Old Town corridor may see a different traffic pattern than before construction. For detailed movements, posted traffic signs and marked crossings take priority over older online maps. The city previously published a video progress update with a roundabout tutorial and accessible English and Spanish material. This report does not assert that a particular lane restriction is currently active.
Tracking schedules and public accountability
Goleta’s public works portal includes a way to receive project updates. Residents following noise, pedestrian detours, drainage construction and adjacent business access can compare future notices with the original scope and approved plans. Questions can be sent to connect@cityofgoleta.gov or 805-690-5116, contact points supplied in the city’s project information.
Goleta is one part of the wider Santa Barbara County area covered by Santa Barbara News; the works described here are within Goleta. Send verified local documents, firsthand observations and corrections to Goleta News.
Primary sources: Goleta Public Works Project Connect page and city updates dated March 2 and March 25, 2026. Reviewed October 24, 2026. Current road controls, costs and individual construction milestones should be rechecked with city staff.
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