Car show, construction to slow traffic in Pismo Beach. Here’s when and where
Drivers in San Luis Obispo County could face slower-than-normal traffic due to a classic car show and a major construction project, officials said.
“Travelers are advised to plan ahead and expect delays in Pismo Beach ... due to increased traffic associated with the 40th annual Pismo Beach Classic Car Show and ongoing construction for the Five Cities Project,” the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments said in a Thursday, May 28, news release.
“Construction crews will work to minimize delays and maintain traffic flow as much as possible,” the release said.
Here’s what to know:
When will there be traffic delays in Pismo Beach? Where?
Drivers in Pismo Beach should expect delays from Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31, due to the car show and roadwork related to the Five Cities Project, officials said.
Travelers could also face construction delays along Price Street from the downtown area north to Mattie Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, the release said.
In addition, drivers might encounter slower traffic at Highway 101 off-ramps and road closures in downtown Pismo Beach over the weekend.
Bicyclitsts and pedestrians will still have access during construction, officials said.
“Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, follow posted signs and flaggers and consider alternate routes when possible,” the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments said.
What is the Five Cities Project?
In late April, crews broke ground on a $57 million construction project aimed at “improving safety, reducing congestion and enhancing mobility” along the corridor in southern SLO County, according to the California Department of Transportation.
Caltrans is partnering with the city of Pismo Beach and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments on the Five Cities Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement Project.
Caltrans said it plans to ease “peak-period congestion” on southbound Highway 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 is being widened to accommodate that lane, which would be open during periods of heavy traffic and special events, Caltrans said on the Five Cities project site.
Other key elements include a “park-and-ride facility with transit connections and electric vehicle charging stations” and a shared-use path, Caltrans said in an April 28 news release.
Are Pismo Beach hotels, restaurants open during roadwork?
Pismo Beach businesses including hotels, restaurants and shops will remain open during construction, Caltrans said, although travel times in the area may vary due to traffic.
“Pismo Beach remains open, and our businesses are ready to welcome visitors throughout the duration of the project,” Pismo Beach City Manager Jorge Garcia said in the release.
Caltrans encouraged travelers to “check current traffic conditions and plan ahead, particularly during peak travel periods, weekends, holidays and major events.”
