News Summary
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has approved the construction contract for Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path. This $6.5 million project will create an 8-mile-long multi-use path from Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach, enhancing safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Phase II will connect to the previously completed Phase I, aiming to improve transportation infrastructure in the area. The project includes new pedestrian crossings and is expected to promote a healthier transportation culture in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara, California – On August 19, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors officially approved the construction contract for Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path. This $6.5 million project will finish an 8-mile-long Class I (multi-use) path network that will stretch from Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach and into the City of Santa Barbara.
The new path is designed to enhance the experience and safety for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. It will extend the existing Obern Trail from the intersection at Encore Drive to the intersection of Via Senda, effectively connecting to the recently completed Phase I section. Phase I was approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2022 and construction concluded in August 2023.
Second District Supervisor Laura Capps has highlighted the project’s significance, noting that it aims to improve community safety for those biking and walking in the area. Currently, Modoc Road is classified as a high-speed minor arterial with a speed limit of 45 mph, and it lacks a continuous ADA-compliant pathway. Instead, it mainly relies on Class II bike lanes that are predominantly used by experienced cyclists.
The Modoc Multi Use Path project is expected to markedly boost safety by introducing a dedicated and separated pathway specifically for bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition, the construction will include various new pedestrian crossings, facilitating easier access to residential neighborhoods and the Modoc Path.
Funding Overview
The $6.5 million project is funded through multiple sources:
- 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
Project Timeline
Construction for Phase II is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025. Once completed, the new pathway will provide a safe and enjoyable option for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting a healthier and more active transportation culture in the region.
Planning Integration
The Modoc Multi Use Path is integrated into several local planning documents, including the Eastern Goleta Valley Community Plan, the County Active Transportation Plan, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Regional Active Transportation Plan. The project aligns with broader community goals geared toward enhancing walking and biking infrastructure across Santa Barbara County.
Community members and interested residents can find further details about the project by visiting the County of Santa Barbara’s official project page. With the approval of Phase II, the community is one step closer to realizing a safer and more connected pathway that fosters active transportation in Santa Barbara.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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