San Ysidro Roundabout Construction to Begin

Community members are invited to a meeting at Montecito Union School this Thursday, March 9, to learn about the construction staging for the San Ysidro Roundabout, which begins Monday, March 13. Here’s what you need to know. 

The first phase of work will begin in the northwest corner of the intersection of North Jameson Lane and San Ysidro Road, as well as at the northbound on-ramp at San Ysidro Road and the overcrossing sidewalk by the ramp. The northbound on-ramp will close on Monday, March 20 – it was originally planned for March 13, but rain delayed the plans – and remain closed through early 2025 for roundabout and then freeway-widening construction. 

Crews will remove old pavement, clear and grub vegetation, and begin grading for a new retaining wall. Utility companies will also continue work in the area and along North Jameson Lane. Drivers should expect flaggers directing traffic as needed for the roundabout project and utility work. Pedestrians will be able to use the detour on San Leandro Lane and La Vereda Road. 

Throughout the construction, which will take place both during the day and over some nights, we’re told that drivers will have access through the intersection except in June and July, when the overcrossing over Highway 101 will be closed to enable roundabout, bridge rail, and on- and off-ramp construction simultaneously. The goal is to get the overcrossing reopened by the time school starts this fall. Also in June, expect the long-term closure of the northbound off-ramp, which will remain closed until early 2025. 

Later this fall, work will occur along the northeast corner of the San Ysidro intersection. Near the end of the year, crews will finish up the roundabout by paving the median islands, but the on- and off- ramps will remain closed because of the impending freeway construction. Drivers can use detours at Sheffield Drive and Olive Mill Road.

In related news, the southbound on-ramp at Olive Mill Road has reopened, and crews there continue to work on drainage improvements, roadway base, and paving. Work will continue on a new architectural wall as part of the roundabout, and drivers should continue to expect to see flaggers as needed directing traffic.

These two roundabout projects are being delivered early due to regional funding and Measure A funds. Widening of the 101 freeway between Olive Mill and San Ysidro roads will begin construction later this summer and is expected to take approximately three years. 

At the Montecito Association (MA) Land Use Committee meeting earlier this week, Executive Director Sharon Byrne reported that two individuals have appealed the widening project due to the removal of sound walls. The board of supervisors will hear both appeals on Tuesday, April 4. The Land Use Committee voted to further discuss the issue of the sound wall appeal at next week’s MA Board of Directors meeting. 

To learn more about the roundabout staging, visit www.sbroads.com.