Granite Secures $114M Contract for New Highway 101 Segment
Granite Construction Incorporated has announced that it has secured the contract for Segment 4E North of the Highway 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) project. The contract, awarded by California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is valued at approximately $114 million and represents a significant milestone in one of California’s most important transportation improvement programs.
Granite is already deeply involved in the broader Phase 4 initiative, having been selected as the construction manager for the entire CM/GC program. The company was previously awarded Segment 4E South in 2024, and this latest contract further strengthens its role in delivering the final stages of the project. With this award, Granite continues to play a central part in transforming a critical stretch of U.S. Route 101, a key transportation corridor in Santa Barbara County.
The Highway 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara CM/GC program is a large-scale, multi-year effort aimed at enhancing roadway safety and alleviating traffic congestion along an 11-mile section of the highway. This corridor is heavily traveled by commuters, freight operators, and tourists, making improvements essential for both local mobility and regional economic activity. The project has been designed to modernize infrastructure, improve traffic flow, and accommodate increasing transportation demands.
Segment 4E North, the focus of the newly awarded contract, includes several major upgrades that will significantly enhance the functionality and safety of the highway. One of the primary components involves replacing existing traffic lanes and introducing a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction. This addition is intended to encourage carpooling and reduce congestion during high-traffic hours, ultimately improving travel times for commuters.
In addition to lane improvements, the project includes a comprehensive reconstruction of the Cabrillo Boulevard interchange. This upgrade will feature the construction of two new bridges and the reconfiguration of freeway ramps. Specifically, the existing left-hand ramps—often associated with higher safety risks—will be replaced with right-hand ramps, which are considered safer and more intuitive for drivers. These changes are expected to reduce accident rates and improve overall traffic flow in the area.
Another notable feature of the project is the introduction of a new teardrop roundabout on Cabrillo Boulevard. This innovative design will be implemented at the intersection with the northbound Highway 101 ramps and is intended to streamline vehicle movement, reduce delays, and enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians. Roundabouts have been increasingly adopted in modern roadway design due to their ability to minimize conflict points and improve efficiency compared to traditional signalized intersections.
Segment 4E North marks the seventh and final mainline segment of the Highway 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara CM/GC program. Its completion will represent a major milestone in the overall project, bringing years of planning and construction closer to fruition. The program has been a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including regional planning agencies and transportation authorities, all working toward a shared goal of improving infrastructure in the region.
According to Larry Camilleri, Granite’s Regional Vice President, the company has been involved in the project since its early stages. Granite was selected as the CM/GC contractor in 2018, and construction on the first segment began in 2020. Over the past seven years, the company has successfully negotiated and executed thirteen construction contracts as part of the program. These include seven mainline segments and six parallel projects, each contributing to the overall success of the initiative.
Camilleri emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these milestones, noting that Granite is proud to partner with organizations such as the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and Caltrans. Together, these entities have worked to deliver a project that not only meets current transportation needs but also anticipates future growth and demand.
The construction process for Segment 4E North will also showcase Granite’s integrated capabilities and commitment to sustainable practices. The company plans to utilize its Santa Paula Hot Plant to supply approximately 15,700 tons of hot mix asphalt for the project. In addition, an onsite batch plant will produce around 7,000 cubic yards of concrete, using aggregates sourced from Granite’s Bee Rock quarry.
Sustainability and resource efficiency are further emphasized through the use of recycled materials. Granite will produce approximately 30,000 tons of recycled aggregate base onsite using a portable crusher. This approach reduces the need for new raw materials, minimizes waste, and lowers the environmental impact of construction activities.
Construction on Segment 4E North is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with completion expected by December 2028. Once finished, the improvements will deliver lasting benefits to the region, including enhanced safety, reduced congestion, and improved travel reliability along one of California’s most vital transportation corridors.
Overall, the award of this contract underscores Granite’s expertise in managing complex infrastructure projects and its ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality results. As the final mainline segment of the program moves forward, the Highway 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and long-term investment in infrastructure.
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