Project Abstract

This project was initiated following the completion of an intensive three-year planning study which looked a range of multi-modal options for addressing long-term congestion needs in the corridor. This study, called 101 IN MOTION, concluded that a multi-pronged implementation approach was needed to address forecast travel demand. The South Coast 101 HOV project is the largest highway oriented improvement project that is being implemented, based on 101 IN MOTION, in the corridor. Previous efforts to widen this section of Route 101 have been met with substantial community opposition.

-- Excerpt from South Coast 101 HOV Lanes Submission Form --

Overview

The 101 IN MOTION process that proceeded project initiation assessed a wide range of potential solution approaches and resulted in a range of multi-modal package of improvements. The South Coast 101 HOV project development team (PDT) includes multiple local project partners (includes Planning and Public Works staff from the City of Santa Barbara, the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Carpinteria, and SBCAG). Early in the project development process, the PDT adopted Guiding Principles and a Project Team Charter. An intensive multi-day workshop resulted in the development of a robust Stakeholder Involvement Plan for the project that was later adopted by the PDT. A "matrix assessment" of initial alternatives was completed. This effort provided a preliminary assessment of the project context and used a number of local impact measures to evaluate and screen alternatives that would not be suitable for continuing through the environmental process. The remaining alternatives were developed based on local context and project specific constrains. The remaining three build alternatives were developed conceptually with these respective goals: a) maximizing interior landscaping, b) maximizing exterior landscaping, and c) a location-by-location best fit of the two. A number of strategies and specific focus groups are being implemented to engage local stakeholders throughout the project development process. A Public Involvement Subcommittee to the PDT has been formed to review and provide input on local outreach materials and activities.

CSS Qualities: Process

Development of a Stakeholder Involvement Plan for this project was an important early consideration. The purpose of the Stakeholder Involvement Plan was to identify an effective and appropriate strategy for involving stakeholders and the community in the project development process, ultimately resulting in broad stakeholder and community support for the preferred project alternative. The adopted Stakeholder Involvement recommended process includes that a number of processes for receiving feedback, gathering input, and disseminating information. These processes include, but are not limited to Public Scoping meetings, interest specific "focus review groups," a Public Involvement Subcommittee to the PDT, community and organizational briefings, and a "corridor working group."

CSS Qualities: Outcomes

Significant corridor congestion relief. Improved safety. Improved express bus and carpool/vanpool travel times. Reduced noise for adjacent properties that already meet noise threshold requirements (but lacking a funding mechanism). Improved goods movement. Select bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

   South Coast 101 HOV Lanes Submission Form

   South Coast 101 HOV Lanes Executive Summary

   Project Charter

   Stakeholder Involvement Plan for the South Coast 101 HOV Project