SALINAS — Transportation Agency for Monterey County Board of Directors received an update last month on two Caltrans-led projects planned along the Highway 101 corridor south of Salinas, including near-term safety upgrades and a long-range improvement effort focused on Chualar.
According to TAMC officials, the “South of Salinas Access Management Project” is intended as a short-term measure to address safety concerns along the corridor between Salinas and Chualar.
“The project will prohibit left-turn and U-turn movements at 11 uncontrolled intersections between Salinas and Chualar via implementation of full median closures,” TAMC said.
Temporary barriers are scheduled to be installed beginning in November, with work expected to be completed by March 2027. Permanent barriers are planned for fall 2027.
TAMC officials said two emergency access points will remain open to preserve local connectivity and emergency response capability. Planned detours along Alisal and Old Stage roads will include all-way stop controls at four intersections, and Caltrans also plans targeted improvements at the southbound exit ramp at the existing Chualar interchange to improve safety and traffic flow.
Caltrans secured $3 million through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program for the project, according to TAMC officials.
Also at the April 22 meeting, the board received an update on the longer-term “US 101 South of Salinas Corridor Improvement Project,” known as US 101 SOS, which has entered the environmental review phase with $9.9 million in State Transportation Improvement Program funding.
“Phase I of the US 101 SOS project will construct a new, relocated interchange north of Chualar, including a grade-separated crossing over the Union Pacific Railroad and the addition of new frontage roads with bicycle facilities to improve safety and connectivity for people traveling by bike and accessing transit,” TAMC said.
Officials added that the project is intended to improve transit reliability, support increased ridership and address transportation impacts affecting the Chualar community.
“The new interchange and frontage roads will reduce cut-through traffic, improve access to regional destinations, and mitigate safety and environmental impacts that disproportionately affect the community today,” according to TAMC.
Caltrans plans to seek construction funding for Phase I through a Senate Bill 1 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program grant application in November. Award decisions are expected in June 2027.
