Guadalupe Drivers: Santa Maria River Bridge Work Brings Highway 1 One-Way Traffic Through October 30

GUADALUPE, Santa Barbara County — October 26, 2026. Motorists crossing the Santa Maria River Bridge on Highway 1 north of Guadalupe should prepare for daytime one-way traffic control through Friday, October 30. Caltrans says bridge crews are placing girders and expect to manage vehicles one direction at a time, weather permitting.

The announced operating window is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Delays could reach 20 minutes. Directional and message signs will alert drivers ahead of the work site, but travelers should build flexibility into arrival times rather than counting on an uninterrupted crossing.

Why Guadalupe commuters should watch this bridge

The Santa Maria River crossing serves travel between the Guadalupe area and communities to its north. The project directly affects users of Highway 1, including those who need predictable timing for work, appointments or deliveries. A daytime, single-lane control is not the same as an overnight full road closure.

Before travel, consult Caltrans QuickMap for changing conditions. Official agency report: Caltrans District 5, published October 23. Find more reporting from Guadalupe News.

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