News Summary
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has approved a $6.5 million contract for Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path. This new construction will enhance biking and walking safety, creating an 8-mile path from Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach. Enhanced safety features will include separated pathways and pedestrian crossings, improving access for all community members. The project is set to begin in the fall and is part of a larger effort to support active transportation in the region.
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Approves $6.5 Million Phase II of Modoc Multi Use Path
On August 19, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved a construction contract for the Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path, a project designed to enhance biking and walking safety within the community. The total cost of this phase is $6.5 million and aims to complete an 8-mile-long Class I (multi-use) path network that will stretch from Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach and connect to the City of Santa Barbara.
This new pathway is set to provide a more comfortable experience for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The path will extend the existing Obern Trail from the western Encore Drive intersection to the intersection of Via Senda, linking up with the recently completed Phase I section, which was approved and constructed in 2022, and finished in August 2023.
Safety Improvements and Community Benefits
Second District Supervisor Laura Capps highlighted the collaboration that made the project possible, noting its significant potential to enhance community safety for those biking and walking. Modoc Road is currently recognized as a high-speed minor arterial with speed limits of 45 mph, and it lacks a continuous ADA-compliant pathway. Currently, it relies on Class II bike lanes that are primarily utilized by experienced cyclists, making it a less friendly environment for casual riders and pedestrians.
The development of the Modoc Multi Use Path will greatly improve safety by introducing a separated pathway specifically designed for bicyclists and pedestrians. Additionally, the project will incorporate several new pedestrian crossings to allow easier access to residential neighborhoods and the Modoc Path.
Funding Sources for Phase II
The funding for this project comes from multiple sources, totaling $6.5 million. The breakdown of the funding sources includes:
- County General Fund: $1.1 million
- State Active Transportation Program Grant: $2.6 million
- County Service Area 3 Special District: $1 million
- Measure A: $1.3 million
- State Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account: $500,000
Planning and Timeline
The project is integrated into several critical planning documents, including the Eastern Goleta Valley Community Plan, the County Active Transportation Plan, and the SBCAG Regional Active Transportation Plan. Construction for Phase II is expected to commence in the fall of 2025.
Residents seeking more information about the Modoc Multi Use Path can refer to the official project page provided by the County of Santa Barbara.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Independent: Supervisors Approve Modoc Path Construction Contract
- Wikipedia: Active Transportation
- edhat: Santa Barbara County Advances Modoc Multi-Use Path Project
- Google Search: Active Transportation Santa Barbara
- Noozhawk: Last Section of Modoc Multi-Use Path Inches Closer to Completion
- Google Scholar: Multi Use Paths Santa Barbara
- The Independent: Filling in the Missing Modoc Gap
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Multi Use Pathways
- Noozhawk: Landscaping Plan Approved for Modoc Road Trail
- Google News: Modoc Multi Use Path
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