News Summary
The Santa Barbara County Board has approved a $6.5 million construction contract for Phase II of the Modoc Multi-Use Path. This project will enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety by completing an 8-mile-long pathway from Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach. The initiative will provide critical improvements in accessibility and foster a safer environment for users of all ages and abilities, addressing the current vulnerabilities of Modoc Road and promoting active transportation in the community.
Santa Barbara County Board Approves $6.5 Million for New Multi-Use Path
Santa Barbara County has taken significant steps to improve community safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists with the approval of a $6.5 million construction contract for Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path. On August 19, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors greenlit the initiative, marking an important advancement in local transportation infrastructure.
The new project aims to complete an 8-mile-long Class I multi-use path network that will stretch from Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach and connect to the City of Santa Barbara. By providing a dedicated and comfortable experience for individuals of all ages and abilities, the path will promote a safer and more inclusive environment for both bicyclists and pedestrians.
Phase II will extend the existing Obern Trail from the western Encore Drive intersection to the intersection of Via Senda, linking it with the recently finished Phase I section, which was approved in 2022 and completed in August 2023. This development reflects a concerted effort to enhance non-motorized transportation options in the region.
Safety Improvements and Community Enhancements
The current condition of Modoc Road, characterized as a high-speed minor arterial with a speed limit of 45 mph, poses significant risks, as it lacks a continuous ADA-compliant pathway. The road predominantly features Class II bike lanes, which are primarily used by more experienced cyclists, leaving less experienced users and pedestrians vulnerable.
The Phase II project introduces critical safety enhancements, including a dedicated pathway for bicycles and pedestrians, greatly improving safety for all users. Furthermore, several new pedestrian crossings will be added to facilitate access to residential neighborhoods and the Modoc Path.
Funding Sources and Project Timeline
The implementation of Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path is supported by a diverse range of funding sources. The total budget includes:
- 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
Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2025, marking a pivotal step in advancing the goals of community safety and enhancing active transportation throughout the area.
Planning Context and Collaboration
The Modoc Multi Use Path project is aligned with several key planning documents, such as the Eastern Goleta Valley Community Plan, the County Active Transportation Plan, and the SBCAG Regional Active Transportation Plan. These connections signify a broader commitment to improving transportation options that meet the needs of the growing population.
The collaboration between various stakeholders highlighted the importance of enhancing community safety while promoting active transportation. As these projects progress, the commitment to providing reliable transportation access and safe options for non-motorized users remains a top priority.
In conclusion, the approval of Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path represents a vital investment in community infrastructure that promises to contribute positively to the safety and quality of life for Santa Barbara County residents. For more information on the project, residents are encouraged to visit the official project page of the County of Santa Barbara.
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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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