Five Cities Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement Project

(Previously known as the Pismo Congestion Relief Pilot Project)

Project Description 

Caltrans, in partnership with San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, is proposing a pilot project to address peak-period congestion on southbound US 101 by constructing a left-shoulder part-time travel lane from San Luis Obispo Creek to the railroad overhead in Pismo Beach. The southbound left shoulder would be widened to accommodate the lane, which would be open daily during periods of heavy afternoon traffic and special events. A new park-and-ride lot in Pismo Beach is also proposed.

project location map

Project Benefits

Purpose: The purpose of the project is to reduce travel delays that diminish the efficient operation of US 101 through Shell Beach and Pismo Beach in the southbound direction during periods of heavy traffic volumes.

Need: US 101 within the project limits cannot efficiently manage existing traffic volumes that accumulate when large numbers of drivers exit the city of San Luis Obispo within a short period of time. This typically happens during the evening work commute, on summer weekends, and when there are popular events in the communities to the south.

Estimated Funding Breakdown

Funding Source Funding Amount
Local $5,500,000
State $51,814,214
Construction Cost $57,314,214

 

Partnerships

 

Proposed Project Schedule

Process Date
Final environmental document to be completed September 2022
Design to be completed Spring 2025
Advertise Fall 2025
Construction to begin Spring 2026
Construction to be completed Fall 2028

 

 

Contact

Project Manager: Paul Valadao
Phone: (916) 764-9123
Email: paul.valadao@dot.ca.gov

Dianna Beck, Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor)
Phone: (805) 459-9406
Email: dianna.beck@dot.ca.gov

D5 Public Information Office
Phone: (805) 549-3237
Email: info-d5@dot.ca.gov

Documents