News Summary
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has approved a $6.5 million contract for Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path. This expansion aims to enhance safety and accessibility for bikers and pedestrians, connecting Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach. The project includes a dedicated pathway and pedestrian crossings, significantly improving community safety and promoting active transportation in the region. With construction set to begin in the fall of 2025, this initiative aligns with various strategic plans for sustainable transport.
Santa Barbara – The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has taken a significant step towards improving transportation in the area by approving the construction contract for Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path, which is set to cost $6.5 million. This new phase of the project is expected to enhance the safety and accessibility of the path network, marking progress toward a more bicycle-friendly and pedestrian-friendly community.
The planned path will span 8 miles and connect Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach and the City of Santa Barbara, creating a vital link for both recreational and commuter travel. This multi-use path is designed to cater to individuals of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy safe access for both biking and walking.
Specifically, the new section will extend the existing Obern Trail from the intersection at Encore Drive to Via Senda, integrating seamlessly with the recently completed Phase I section, which the Board of Supervisors approved in 2022 and saw completion in August 2023.
Second District Supervisor Laura Capps has acknowledged the collaboration behind the project, stating that it will significantly enhance community safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. The construction of the Modoc Multi Use Path is particularly important given that Modoc Road has a reputation as a high-speed minor arterial road with 45 mph speed limits. Currently, the area lacks a continuous ADA-compliant pathway and relies on Class II bike lanes primarily intended for experienced cyclists.
This new pathway will notably increase safety by providing a dedicated space for bicycles and pedestrians, alleviating concerns of cyclists and walkers sharing the road with fast-moving vehicles. Furthermore, the project will introduce several new pedestrian crossings, which will improve overall access to nearby residential neighborhoods and enhance connectivity with the Modoc Path.
The planning for this project fits within several broader strategic documents, including the Eastern Goleta Valley Community Plan, the County Active Transportation Plan, and the SBCAG Regional Active Transportation Plan. This alignment indicates a cohesive goal of promoting active transportation in the county.
Funding for the $6.5 million project comes from various sources, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to financing such initiatives. The breakdown of funding is as follows:
- County General Fund: $1.1 million
- State Active Transportation Program Grant: $2.6 million
- County Service Area 3 Special District: $1 million
- Measure A: $1.3 million
- State Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account: $500,000
With construction slated to begin in the fall of 2025, residents can anticipate a marked improvement in safe transportation options in the region. For additional details and updates regarding the project, individuals are encouraged to visit the County of Santa Barbara’s official project page for the Modoc Multi Use Path.
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Additional Resources
- The Independent: Supervisors Approve Modoc Path Construction Contract
- Wikipedia: Active Transportation
- edhat: Santa Barbara County Advances Modoc Multi-Use Path Project
- Google Search: Active Transportation Santa Barbara
- Noozhawk: Last Section of Modoc Multi-Use Path Inches Closer to Completion
- Google Scholar: Multi Use Paths Santa Barbara
- The Independent: Filling in the Missing Modoc Gap
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Multi Use Pathways
- Noozhawk: Landscaping Plan Approved for Modoc Road Trail
- Google News: Modoc Multi Use Path
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