Highway 154 closure impacts residents and businesses

SOLVANG, Calif. -- The highway 154 closure is impacting residents and local businesses who have limited driving access.

As of Monday Caltrans District 5 announced the reopening of the 2nd lane for Highway 101 to ease traffic through the Buellton/Gaviota area. They will resume a paving project at a later date while addressing the issue on Highway 154 takes priority.

On June 21st Highway 154 was closed due to roadway cracking on all lanes while a crew was out fixing the damages from the winter storms.

Caltrans says "Highway 154 remains closed in both directions from San Antonio Creek Road to Painted Cave Road due to roadway cracking extending across all traffic lanes. A soft closure has been established at State Route 192 in Santa Barbara and at the Highway 154/State Route 246 Roundabout in Santa Ynez allowing access to local businesses."

Highway 154 connects thousands of drivers from Santa Barbara to the Santa Ynez valley everyday.

With a major Holiday in the coming week residents and local businesses are concerned this may impact people's 4th of July celebrations.

Caltrans released a statement today saying in part "Upon completion of the drilling, Caltrans will monitor pavement conditions before making any determination about re-opening the highway.  It is not known at this time when this may occur or when Hwy. 154 will re-open."

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