Caltrans: Virtual Public Meeting U.S. 101/Pismo Beach Congestion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SLOCOG Contact: Anna Devers / (805) 781-4462
Caltrans Contact: Jim Shivers / (805) 549-3237

Caltrans Public Comment Period Open For U.S. 101/Pismo Beach Congestion Relief Project

Virtual Public Meeting on October 20th

San Luis Obispo County, Calif. (October 8, 2020) – Congestion on southbound U.S. 101 through the Pismo Straits has been a recurring issue for south county residents and visitors for years. Now, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) and Caltrans are closing in on a solution and invite the public to weigh in.

The U.S. 101 Pismo Congestion Relief Project will construct the state's first l eft shoulder part-time travel lane, a highway mainline operational improvement that helps increase the flow of traffic through the corridor by opening the left (inside) shoulder to traffic during the afternoon peak hour commute rush.

This part-time travel lane would be located on southbound U.S. Highway 101 from north of Avila Beach Drive to just south of Hinds Avenue, along the existing left shoulder near the center median. The lane would be open daily during periods of heavy afternoon traffic as well as for special events. The project also proposes to add a new park ‘n’ ride lot in Pismo Beach.

The project is advancing through the preliminary engineering and environmental phase and the draft project report and draft environmental impact report are now available for review and comment. Public comments can be emailed to Lara Bertaina at mailto:lara.bertaina@dot.ca.gov or sent via US Mail to Lara Bertaina, Caltrans District 5, 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 by Tuesday, November 17.

SLOCOG and Caltrans will also host a public meeting via Zoom on October 20 from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

"We want to make sure we balance the needs for improving goods movement, commuter traffic, and visitor traffic with the needs of the communities along the corridor. Advancing to this phase is a critical step forward and it is important for the public to be at the meeting so they can be informed about the project and have an opportunity to provide their input," said SLOCOG Transportation Planner Stephen Hanamaikai.

Follow this link to access draft documents and directions for providing comment: https://slocog.org/programs/highways-streets-roads/us-highway-101/improving-congestion-and-mobility-101. The Zoom meeting link, presentation materials, and a recording of the meeting will be posted to this webpage, so be sure to check back regularly for updates.

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About SLOCOG
The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) is an association of local governments in the San Luis Obispo County Region. Its members include all 7 cities (Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo) as well as unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. The central purpose of SLOCOG is to examine common regional problems and suggest solutions. SLOCOG provides transportation planning and funding for the region, and serves as a forum for the study and resolution of regional issues. In addition to preparing the region’s long-range transportation plan, SLOCOG plans and provides funding for public transit services, highway and roadway improvements, and other alternative methods of transportation.

Caltrans: Virtual Public Meeting U.S....

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Date and Time

Tuesday Oct 20, 2020
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM PDT

Tuesday, October 20, 2020
5:30 pm- 7:30 pm

Location

Zoom

Fees/Admission

open to the public

Contact Information

(805) 549-3237