The largest capital improvement project in the City’s history is almost two years in the making with one year still to go. What has been accomplished so far and what is still ahead for Project Connect. Let’s take a look.

There are several visible improvements already in place. Completed work includes the Hollister Avenue Bridge, drainage upgrades, the realignment of Dearborn Place, new sections of Ekwill Street, upgraded traffic signals, roundabout splitter islands at Ward Drive and Ekwill Street, improved sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, the Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping project, new parking lot wayfinding signage in Old Town, and the reconstruction of the Orange Avenue Parking Lot.

More improvements are planned for later this year. Upcoming work includes new roundabouts on Hollister Avenue and at Ekwill Street, improvements to Fowler Road (S. Kellogg Avenue), installation of street lighting, final paving and striping, realignment of the State Route 217 on- and off-ramps, improvements to the San Jose Creek channel, and landscaping and mitigation plantings. 

Safety Reminder

All construction zones remain closed to the public. For your safety and the safety of our crews, we kindly ask drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to use extra caution and share the road responsibly when traveling near these areas.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we build a better, more connected community.

About Project Connect:

Project Connect is a multi-year project that will enhance pedestrian access and safety, improve road conditions, and build critical linkage throughout Goleta while increasing stormwater flow capacity in San Jose Creek under Hollister Bridge.

The large-scale construction project includes the Ekwill Street & Fowler Road Extensions, Hollister Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, two new roundabouts on Hollister Avenue at the Highway 217 interchange, the Hollister Avenue Interim Striping Project, and San Jose Creek flood control capacity improvements. Project completion is anticipated in 2027 when drivers and pedestrians will have increased east-west access across Old Town Goleta.

The City understands that projects such as this can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience.

For additional information or questions, please email Connect@CityofGoleta.gov, call 805-690-5116 or visit www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect.

Hollister Avenue Bridge Completed

Ekwill Street between Kellogg Way and Pine Avenue