Mudslides have shuttered both directions of U.S Highway 101 from the junction of State Route 150 to Milpas Street in Santa Barbara County. All through traffic is advised to use State Route 126 to I-5 as an alternate route. Local traffic can get into Carpinteria from the south if they exit at State Route 150, but cannot get to Santa Barbara.

Water, mud and debris continue to move, hampering Caltrans progress in clearing the highway. The creeks and exit paths for water are clogged and much of the the water is not dissipating and receding.

In addition, the area remains a disaster rescue and recovery zone.

“We are working with other agencies to remove blockages and restore U.S. Highway 101. We are also coordinating with agencies to aid in rescues and provide a pathway through”, said Sara von Schwind, Caltrans District 5 Deputy District Director of Maintenance and Operations.

CalTrans estimates U.S. 101 is midday on Monday, January 15, 2018.

Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through highway construction zones.