Caltrans Shuts 2 Highway 101 Gaviota Rest Areas Until Oct. 1 Over Water Shortage
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 5
Caltrans Shuts 2 Highway 101 Gaviota Rest Areas Until Oct. 1 Over Water Shortage
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 5
Summary
July 1 closures of the northbound and southbound Gaviota rest areas will last at least until Oct. 1, leaving about 35 miles of Highway 101 without a state-run restroom near the Gaviota Tunnel.
Caltrans said the shutdown stems from insufficient water to fully operate the facilities and that reopening depends on restoring a reliable supply, not routine maintenance.
The affected stretch links Buellton and Goleta on one of California's busiest coastal corridors, so officials are urging commuters, tourists and long-distance drivers to line up alternate stops for fuel, food and restrooms before traveling.
Local reports said the site relies on an inland spring outside Caltrans' control, and drivers noted the Gaviota rest areas also saw a similar extended summer closure last year.
Elsewhere in California, Caltrans has also closed both Tejon Pass rest areas on Interstate 5 in Kern County for water and wastewater upgrades scheduled through August 2027.