Cold Spring Bridge Barrier Project

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Construction on a project to build a safety/suicide barrier on the Cold Spring Bridge along State Route 154 began on Monday, June 28, Caltrans officials have announced.

The first order of work will include drilling holes on the bridge.  Ultimately, Caltrans will install a grid mesh barrier along both sides of the structure which has experienced 53 suicides since it was opened in 1964. “When completed, this section of State Route 154 will provide a safer environment for all travelers on the bridge,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Rich Krumholz. Motorists will encounter one-way traffic control with flaggers Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm, with minimal travel delays. No lanes will be closed on Fridays or weekends. Detour signs will direct bicyclists and pedestrians onto Paradise and Stagecoach Roads during the project. The CHP will be present to help maintain a safe construction zone for motorists and workers.

All businesses and attractions in the Santa Ynez Valley will remain open and accessible via State Route 154 and the bridge, which will not be closed at any time during construction.

 The contractor for this $778,000 project is Bugler Construction of Pleasanton, CA, which is expected to be completed by this fall.