Highway 101 construction to close lanes, slow traffic in SLO. See when and where
Heads up, San Luis Obispo drivers.
Traffic may worsen on Highway 101 due to a long-term construction project, according to Caltrans.
A mile-long stretch of the major freeway will undergo a series of lane and ramp closures for a new road improvement project, the California Department of Transportation said in a news release Wednesday.
The project, which was underway as of Wednesday, July 16, was expected to continue until next summer, according to Caltrans.
Here’s what to know about the construction:
Where is Highway 101 construction?
Caltrans crews are working to improve and update a mile-long segment of Highway 101 that runs through San Luis Obispo.
The $2 million roadway project, led by San Luis Obispo’s Souza Construction, will focus on completing concrete work, repairing guardrails, controlling vegetation and improving the freeway’s landscape.
Which lanes and exits will be closed? When?
Construction on Highway 101 will occur between Exit 202B onto Broad Street and Exit 203C onto California Boulevard, according to Caltrans.
Caltrans said road work will start at the north end of the project area and continue further south as construction progresses.
Highway 101 lane and ramp closures are scheduled to take place from 10 p.m. on Sunday through 6 a.m. on Monday, as well as 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday, according to Caltrans.
“Exact locations and lane lengths will vary based on nightly progress,” the state road agency said.
Caltrans said the timing of the closures is meant to “minimize traffic disruptions.”
As of Wednesday, the No. 2 right lane of Highway 101 was closed in active work zones.
In late August, Caltrans will close the northbound Broad Street on-ramp, the northbound Osos Street off-ramp and the auxiliary lane between the off-ramps.
The ramp shutdowns could last up to 10 days, the state road agency said.
Caltrans said it will announce the exact days of the ramp closures along with detour information at a later date.
Will roadwork delay traffic?
The agency estimated that drivers could be delayed by up to 10 minutes during construction.
“Travelers are advised to allow extra time and follow posted detours,” the state road agency said in the release. “Caltrans thanks the public for their patience during this project.”
How long will Highway 101 construction last?
Roadwork is expected to be finished by the end of June 2026, Caltrans said.
