Project aimed to alleviate increased traffic at Highway 154 and Roblar Avenue due to nearby roundabout construction
A project to install a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 154 and Roblar Avenue near Los Olivos is now underway.
The underground electrical work for the temporary traffic signal began on Wednesday, Dec. 4. This temporary traffic signal was expected to be fully operational before the Christmas holiday.
This temporary traffic signal will be installed to alleviate the increased traffic at this intersection due to the ongoing roundabout construction at Hwy. 154 and Baseline Avenue. Caltrans conducted an intersection analysis, resulting in the recommendation to provide a temporary signal instead of a four-way stop, to reduce delays at Highway 154 and Roblar Avenue.
“The community spoke, and Caltrans listened,” said County District 3 Supervisor Joann Hartmann. “This temporary all-way stop at SR 154 and Roblar is a direct result of residents raising concerns about safety. We’re grateful for Caltrans’responsiveness and collaboration in taking this important step to protect our community, as this is one step on a broader set of safety measures Caltrans is implementing.”
“I am very gratified to see Caltrans has responded positively to my request, on behalf of the residents of the Santa Ynez Valley, to address the traffic congestion caused by construction of the new roundabout at 154 and Edison,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart. “Caltrans is now moving swiftly to install an all-way stop at State Route 154 and Roblar Avenue that will improve safety and traffic flow, and also allow construction of the much-needed roundabout to proceed quickly.”
Baseline Avenue/Edison Street is currently closed at its connection to Highway 154. A new traffic alignment on Hwy. 154 at the intersection of Baseline Avenue/Edison Street is now in effect through February 2025. Work includes the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Hwy. 154 and Baseline Avenue/Edison Street, installation of curb ramps, rumble strips and a lighting system. Businesses are open and accessible along Baseline Avenue/Edison Street during construction.
The temporary traffic signal at Roblar Avenue and Hwy. 154 will be in place until the completion of the Baseline Avenue/Hwy. 154 roundabout project, which is expected to be complete in Spring 2025.
The contractor for this $8.3 million project is Granite Construction Company of Santa Barbara.
Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 social media platforms: X (formerly Twitter) at @CaltransD5, Facebook at Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at @Caltrans_D5.
Feature Image: An overhead view is shown of the roundabout being built at Highway 154 and Baseline Avenue near Los Olivos. A temporary traffic signal is being constructed at the nearby intersection of 154 and Roblar Avenue, which has seen an increase in traffic because of the roundabout project. Photo Courtesy of Caltrans
