Includes Roundabout Tutorial and Two-Year Construction Update

The City of Goleta has released an informative video providing a two-year update on Project Connect, including tips on how to navigate two newly opened roundabouts in Old Town. The video features Goleta Public Works Director Luz “Nina” Buelna and Project Connect Project Manager Melissa Angeles providing a rundown of what has been accomplished the past two years of construction and what work still needs to be done. The video also includes a tutorial with Goleta Police Sgt. Noel Rivas on how to navigate roundabouts. Watch the video here in English; it is also available to view in Spanish here.

Project Connect, the largest capital improvement project in the history of the City, broke ground in March of 2024 and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027.

Roundabout Update

A construction milestone occurred on March 1, 2026, when two roundabouts opened on Hollister Avenue at Highway 217.

These roundabouts are designed to improve safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, providing more continuous, low speed movement through this busy corridor. Roundabouts reduce stop-and-go traffic while allowing all users to share the roadway more safely. 

In the video Sgt. Rivas provides the following tips:

• First step, as you approach the roundabout, slow down and look for the yield sign.
• Remember both vehicles and bicycles already in the roundabout have the right of way.
• Once there’s a safe gap, enter the roundabout and follow the curve to your right until you reach your exit. This is true for bicycles and vehicles – we all share roundabouts.
• Before exiting, be sure that pedestrians and bicycles are free from the exit you want to use.
• No need to break hard or speed through the roundabout, go with the flow and keep speeds slow.
• Bottom line – slow down, follow the signs and pavement markings.
• Allow a little extra time as everyone gets used to the new traffic pattern.

Project Connect Construction Update

Here is what has been completed in the first two years of construction.

The new Hollister Avenue Bridge, drainage improvements, Dearborn Place realignment, new sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps, and traffic signal upgrades. The Ekwill Street extension connecting Kellogg Avenue to Fairview Avenue, improvements in Old Town including the interim striping project, new wayfinding signage, and reconstruction of the Orange Avenue parking lot.

There is still work to be done. You’ll see crews working along the roundabouts in the coming months. They’re also continuing to work on the Fowler Road improvements, street lighting, additional sidewalks and curb ramps, roadway surface treatments, improvements to San Jose Creek, and landscaping and mitigation plantings.

To learn more about Project Connect, visit the City’s webpage at Watch the video here in English. For questions, please email Connect@CityofGoleta.gov or call 805-690-5116.

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

Pictured above: Public Works Director Luz “Nina” Buelna, Goleta Police Sgt. Noel Rivas, and Project Connect Project Manager Melissa Angeles