News Summary
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has approved a $6.5 million contract for the construction of Phase II of the Modoc Multi-Use Path. This project will enhance safety and connectivity by completing an 8-mile multi-use path from Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach. The new path aims to provide a dedicated route for cyclists and pedestrians, thereby improving access and safety in the region. With multiple funding sources secured, construction is set to begin in the fall, following the successful completion of Phase I.
Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Approves $6.5 Million for Modoc Multi-Use Path
Santa Barbara, CA – On August 19, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved a $6.5 million construction contract for Phase II of the Modoc Multi-Use Path. The project aims to complete a vital 8-mile-long Class I multi-use path network, which will run from Isla Vista to Arroyo Burro Beach and connect to the city of Santa Barbara.
The new path is designed to deliver a comfortable experience for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. This phase will extend the existing Obern Trail from the intersection of Encore Drive to the intersection of Via Senda, linking it to the recently finished Phase I section, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2022 and completed in August 2023.
Enhancing Safety and Connectivity
This project is particularly important for enhancing safety in the area. Modoc Road, characterized as a high-speed minor arterial with 45 mph speed limits, currently lacks a continuous ADA-compliant pathway. As it stands, the road relies mainly on Class II bike lanes that are better suited for experienced cyclists.
The completion of this multi-use path will not only create a dedicated and separated pathway for cyclists and pedestrians but will also introduce several new pedestrian crossings, improving access to nearby residential neighborhoods and the Modoc Path. These improvements will help to significantly enhance community safety for all users of the path.
Funding Sources
The $6.5 million project is backed by multiple funding sources, including:
- 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
Timeline and Planning Context
Construction for this phase is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025. The Modoc Multi-Use Path project is integrated into multiple planning documents, including the Eastern Goleta Valley Community Plan, the County Active Transportation Plan, and the SBCAG Regional Active Transportation Plan.
Background on Phase I
Phase I of the Modoc Multi-Use Path was originally approved by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in 2022, and its construction was completed in August 2023. This initial phase has already begun providing residents with improved access for walking and biking in the area.
As the community prepares for the next phase, the Modoc Multi-Use Path stands to significantly change how residents interact with their environment by promoting safe and efficient transport options. For further details about the project, residents are encouraged to visit the official project page of the County of 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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
