Nipomo’s busiest intersection is getting an upgrade. Here’s what to know about the plan
If you’ve driven in Nipomo, chances are you’ve been stuck on the Highway 101 off-ramp at Tefft Street wondering why it seems to take so long to traverse.
The intersection routinely backs up to the freeway, with some drivers having to wait through multiple traffic light changes before managing to make it through the intersection.
The county has long been debating ways to reduce traffic at the crossing, but now plans are moving forward for a project that would potentially alleviate the worst of the backup.
If all goes to plan, Nipomo could see results by the beginning of 2021.
Fourth District Supervisor Lynn Compton met with Caltrans and San Luis Obispo County’s public works department in December to review the Tefft Street interchange.
“At the meeting, we all agreed to work hand in hand in order to help expedite the project,” Compton told The Tribune in an email. “While these improvements are not a cure-all, it will help alleviate traffic during peak travel hours and cut down time spent at red lights on Tefft.”
“I am excited to see this project move forward so that need improvements are made to our community,” she added.
What will change at the intersection?
The biggest change for the interchange will be wider off-ramps.
The Highway 101 southbound off-ramp will add a new left-turn lane and the northbound off-ramp will add a right-turn lane. Both ramps currently only have two lanes.
The widened ramps will hold more cars and potentially prevent them from backing up onto the freeway, according to Caleb Mott, legislative assistant to Compton.
Those turning from Frontage Road heading north will also no longer be able to make a left turn onto Tefft Street.
The project is currently in the engineering and environmental approval process, with construction expected to begin by the end of the year.
Weather permitting, the changes would be completed by the beginning of January 2021.
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