Via Lucero Wastewater Force Main Replacement Project: Crews Begin Trenchless Drilling on Via Lucero

Via Lucero Wastewater Force Main Replacement Project: Crews Begin Trenchless Drilling on Via Lucero

Construction crews will be conducting trenchless drilling along Via Lucero through the North La Cumbre Road intersection beginning Monday, October 26. Construction will take place 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with this phase anticipated for completion by Monday, November 9. North La Cumbre will be open to through traffic. Eastbound Via Lucero will be closed to through traffic but open for residential and commercial access. Westbound Via Lucero will be open to one way through traffic. Trenchless drilling is a construction method that installs underground pipelines by drilling a horizontal path beneath the surface, minimizing excavation and disruption to the community. We appreciate the community's patience while the City upgrades critical sewer infrastructure.

PROJECT BENEFITS: Construction teams are installing a new, dual-pipe sewer system made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) along Via Lucero from the Via Lucero Lift Station to the intersection of North Hope Avenue and State Street. This system will replace an aging cast iron pipeline from the 1950s that has reached the end of its useful service life and is difficult to access due to its narrow easement location. Construction teams will also upgrade gravity sewer mains and manholes downstream of the new system.

This upgrade is designed to improve the reliability and long-term performance of the City's wastewater system.

Project improvements include several community benefits:

• Reduce the risk of leaks and system failures
• Increase reliability for today's wastewater demands
• Provide better system monitoring and maintenance access
• Allow repairs without service interruption

Overall, project construction is expected to be completed in January of 2027. For questions and to learn more about the Project, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ViaLucero.

Construction contractor installing HDPE pipe for new force main.