Drilling operation now underway following roadway cracking on Highway 154 near San Antonio Creek Road

Staff Report

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY – Highway 154 remains closed Sunday evening, June 23, in both directions from San Antonio Creek Road to Painted Cave Road due to roadway cracking extending across all traffic lanes, according to Caltrans. Only residents can travel through this closed section of highway.

Caltrans announced Saturday, June 22, the full closure of Highway 154 in both directions from State Route 192 in Santa Barbara to the Hwy 154/246 Roundabout in Santa Ynez due to the pavement cracking, which the agency described as more than 1 foot deep with several inches of differential observed at the surface.

CalPortland Construction is the primary contractor in this work zone, along with a specialized contractor Drilltech.

The closure caused travelers and commuters to use the primary detour of Highway 101 and State Route 246, causing reported massive gridlock on those roads during the weekend.

A drilling operation is now underway to support the roadway at this location which includes a slip-out in addition to the roadway cracking. This location is part of an ongoing emergency project to repair the slip-out when the roadway cracking was discovered.

This repair operation includes two 12-hour shifts from 7 am to 7 pm As of Sunday evening it was unknown when Highway 154 will be fully open. Road information and updates can be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: