Pipe work could bring traffic, water shutoffs to SLO. See where
San Luis Obispo will begin work on a major waterline replacement this month, bringing weeks of traffic impacts and intermittent water shutoffs to a stretch of the city.
Beginning as early as July 20, the city will work to swap out a 1960s-era cast iron pipeline for a more durable ductile iron pipeline along California Boulevard and Taft Street. The project will bring weeks of potholing, trenching, lane closures and intermittent water service disruptions to the area as crews replace 1,660 feet of pipe.
The project is part of the city’s 2026 Sewer & Water Projects, which also involves the ongoing replacement of aging sewer pipes downtown.
The upcoming waterline replacement work will begin with a couple of weeks of potholing to mark underground utilities, according to a news release. Work will start on California and Taft before moving toward Mill Street.
The work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each week, with occasional night work to minimize daytime traffic and water service disruptions.
Contractors will notify residents when water service interruptions are expected, according to the release. Commuters and pedestrians can expect minor traffic impacts and intermittent road closures with detours.
The improvements will help prevent costly emergency repairs, minimize service interruptions for customers and allow for an extended life of the city’s water system, according to the release.
Exact schedules for construction are subject to change due to weather or other unplanned conditions.
For current traffic and construction updates, residents can visit the city’s construction and traffic updates site.
