The U.S. 101 Interchange at Avila Beach Drive will be closed for forty days to construct the central portion of the roundabout.
Traffic Detour Planned at Avila Beach Drive During Roundabout Construction
Author: Public Works
Date: 7/28/2025 11:07 AM
AVILA BEACH - Beginning August 18 and extending through September 26, the U.S. 101 Interchange at Avila Beach Drive will be closed for forty days.
The closure is required to construct the central portion of the roundabout, which will be located at the intersections of Avila Beach Drive, Shell Beach Road and the southbound U.S. 101 off-ramps and on-ramps. Traffic should use San Luis Bay Drive or Ontario Road as alternatives. All other roads and businesses, outside of the project limits, will be open through this duration.
SLO County Public Works Deputy Director John Waddell said that flaggers will be in place to ensure traffic flows smoothly and roads will remain open to first responders.
"We're taking every step possible to minimize disruptions for drivers and to make sure safety protocols are fully in place," he said.
The Public Works Department worked with local businesses and stakeholders to find the least disruptive timeframe for the closure while keeping the project on track and avoiding costly delays. The August-September timeframe avoids the summer season but places completion ahead of the rainy season.
"We so appreciate the way residents, businesses, and the contractor worked with our Public Works team to find a timeline that worked for all parties involved," said District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg. "During this time, there will likely be more traffic along the alternate routes in and out of Avila, along with delays. While we always knew the roundabout would need a period of complete closure, Public Works has made plans to keep delays to a minimum. All businesses in the area, and of course the beach itself, are open for business. Please pack a little extra patience during peak travel times into Avila, and we are grateful for everyone's understanding as we improve critical infrastructure."
The roundabout itself will be complete and functional when this closure ends. It will ease traffic delays and improve safety at the intersection of Avila Beach Drive and Highway 101, which currently experiences significant traffic congestion, especially during weekends.
The final phase of the entire project is the new Park-and-Ride and transit stop. That work will be completed after the closure.
The $13.8 million project includes the roundabout, on and off-ramp improvements, the Park-and-Ride and transit stop, sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and a shared path so people can safely walk or bike around the roundabout. It should be wrapped up by the end of the year.
The roundabout project is managed by SLO County Public Works with Caltrans and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) as strategic partners. For more information, visit: SLOCounty.gov/AvilaRoundabout.
SLO County Public Works Deputy Director John Waddell said that flaggers will be in place to ensure traffic flows smoothly and roads will remain open to first responders.
"We're taking every step possible to minimize disruptions for drivers and to make sure safety protocols are fully in place," he said.
The Public Works Department worked with local businesses and stakeholders to find the least disruptive timeframe for the closure while keeping the project on track and avoiding costly delays. The August-September timeframe avoids the summer season but places completion ahead of the rainy season.
"We so appreciate the way residents, businesses, and the contractor worked with our Public Works team to find a timeline that worked for all parties involved," said District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg. "During this time, there will likely be more traffic along the alternate routes in and out of Avila, along with delays. While we always knew the roundabout would need a period of complete closure, Public Works has made plans to keep delays to a minimum. All businesses in the area, and of course the beach itself, are open for business. Please pack a little extra patience during peak travel times into Avila, and we are grateful for everyone's understanding as we improve critical infrastructure."
The roundabout itself will be complete and functional when this closure ends. It will ease traffic delays and improve safety at the intersection of Avila Beach Drive and Highway 101, which currently experiences significant traffic congestion, especially during weekends.
The final phase of the entire project is the new Park-and-Ride and transit stop. That work will be completed after the closure.
The $13.8 million project includes the roundabout, on and off-ramp improvements, the Park-and-Ride and transit stop, sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and a shared path so people can safely walk or bike around the roundabout. It should be wrapped up by the end of the year.
The roundabout project is managed by SLO County Public Works with Caltrans and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) as strategic partners. For more information, visit: SLOCounty.gov/AvilaRoundabout.
