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 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 | Summer 2022 |
| Right-of-way acquisition to be completed | Summer 2024 |
| Design to be completed | Spring 2024 |
| Advertise | Winter 2024 |
| Construction to begin | Summer 2025 |
| Construction to be completed | Summer 2027 |
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
- Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment with Finding of No Significant Impact – FINAL – August 2022 - (PDF 21.1MB)
Virtual Public Meeting
The project is on the agenda for the California Coastal Commission hearing on Thursday, October 10, 2024. For information on how to attend the hybrid meeting, please visit the California Coastal Commission’s website: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2024/10