Local

Hwy. 101 interchange in SLO County is getting a big upgrade — including a new roundabout

Light rain falls Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, on a slick Highway 101 near San Luis Bay Drive in Avila Beach.
Light rain falls Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, on a slick Highway 101 near San Luis Bay Drive in Avila Beach. ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

Nearly $7 million in state funding is headed to San Luis Obispo County for improvements for a Highway 101 interchange, according to Caltrans.

The California Transportation Commission will allocate $6.8 million to the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments to improve the interchange at Highway 101 and Avila Beach Drive, Caltrans said in a news release on Thusday.

Those improvements include “a roundabout, park-and-ride facility, sidewalk, bike lanes and a transit stop,” the release said.

The commission will allocate a total of $3.1 billion in state funds to upgrade state-owned transportation infrastructure on the Central Coast, according to Caltrans.

“These projects will have a direct, positive impact on every Californian,” Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said in the release. “Commuters, truckers and visitors will all benefit from more reliable roadways and a safer transportation network.”

State funds road improvements for Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties

Santa Barbara County will receive $11 million to build a roundabout at the intersection of Baseline Avenue and Edison Road on Highway 154, Caltrans said.

Meanwhile, Monterey County will collect $8 million to improve the pavement, lighting, sign panels and more at Highway 183 from north of South Davis Road to south of Del Monte Avenue near Salinas and Castroville, the release said.

The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 provided $1.8 billion of the funds, while Senate Bill 1 provided about $200 million, Caltrans said.

This story was originally published August 18, 2023 at 10:51 AM.

Stephanie Zappelli
The Tribune
Stephanie Zappelli is the environment and immigration reporter for The Tribune. Born and raised in San Diego, they graduated from Cal Poly with a journalism degree. When not writing, they enjoy playing guitar, reading and exploring the outdoors. 
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