The southbound Highway 101 onramp from Turnpike Road in Santa Barbara was shut down Friday after a sinkhole was discovered.
Caltrans reports the sinkhole is located between the onramp and the freeway.
Caltrans says it is hiring a contractor for the emergency repair project, which will include work on a drainage culvert 40 feet below the sinkhole.
The ramp closure is expected to be in place for several weeks.
Drivers are advised to use the Patterson Avenue or State Street ramps as detours.
