Los Patos Underpass Removal Project

The Los Patos Underpass Removal Project, managed by the City of Santa Barbara, involves the demolition and removal of the Los Patos Rail Underpass Bridge, including its abutments, center pier, girders, and decking. Following the closure of the Los Patos Way off-ramp on southbound U.S. 101, the bridge will be replaced with solid fill material, and Los Patos Way south of the railroad tracks will be reconfigured into a cul-de-sac. To maintain continuous rail service during construction, a temporary bypass track, known as a shoofly, will be constructed on the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. This shoofly will cross Los Patos Way and Cabrillo Boulevard, utilizing approximately 8,000 cubic yards of fill and including a bridge over Cabrillo Boulevard. This work is scheduled to occur concurrently with the replacement of the Union Pacific Railroad bridge over Cabrillo Boulevard. The project is located at Los Patos Way and U.S. Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County, California. Anticipated construction timelines include approximately three weeks for grading and earthwork, with the reconstruction of rail components expected to be completed over a single weekend. The project has undergone environmental review, resulting in a Notice of Determination issued on November 6, 2025, which confirmed the adoption of an Environmental Impact Report, mitigation measures, and a monitoring plan in accordance with CEQA. For further information, the City of Santa Barbara Public Works Department serves as the administering entity, with Beth Anna Cornett listed as the primary point of contact.