GOLETA Caltrans crews have discovered additional damage to the steel pipe near the southbound Highway 101 onramp at Turnpike Road, which will result in additional excavation.
The onramp remains closed due to a sinkhole located between the ramp and the right shoulder of the southbound lanes. The sinkhole was discovered Dec. 27 and the ramp was immediately closed. Excavation work began about three weeks ago and the additional damage was discovered approximately 30 to 40 feet below the surface. Additional excavation near southbound 101 will be needed to complete the repairs, Jim Shivers, Caltrans spokesman, said in a news release.
Construction will continue 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The ramp could reopen in mid to late February, weather permitting, Mr. Shivers said.
In addition, the No. 3 southbound lane of the 101 at Turnpike Road will be closed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today to allow crews to move a protective barrier and traffic safety devices.
Motorists headed south may enter the 101 at Patterson Avenue or State Street. Delays are not expected to exceed 10 minutes. The contractor for this $1 million project is Granite Construction of Santa Barbara.
