Caltrans to install median barriers at 11 South‑of‑Salinas crossings; longer corridor EIR planned for 2027

Caltrans officials outlined a two‑stage effort to improve safety and traffic flow on Highway 101 south of Salinas, saying a near‑term safety project will install median barriers at 11 at‑grade intersections to prevent left turns and that a longer environmental review and design process will follow.

"We statistically are seeing at least one fatal injury collision per year in the corridor at these 11 at‑grade intersections," said Meg Henry, Caltrans District 5 project manager, explaining the safety rationale for closing left turns and installing a median barrier. The safety project will allow right‑in/right‑out movements but will stop left and U‑turns across the barrier.

Caltrans said it is out to bid for the near‑term safety contract, expects to award in October and to begin construction between November and January depending on contractor mobilization; temporary barriers are targeted to be in place no later than March 1, 2027. The long‑term corridor work includes relocating the Chualar interchange and studying alternatives for a full Abbott interchange relocation; Caltrans expects to circulate a draft environmental impact report (EIR) in early 2027 and finalize the document in late 2027 after studying four alternatives.

Caltrans said it is partnering with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), Monterey County Public Works, local planning staff and community stakeholders on design and funding; the agency will post project materials on a public project portal and hold open houses this fall with draft EIR meetings planned in early 2027. Residents who want updates can subscribe through the portal or use the QR code Caltrans provided in its presentation.