March 2023 – The Central Coast Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) presented the City of Paso Robles with the Project of the Year Award in the Transportation (<$5 million) category for the Golden Hill Road/Union Road Intersection Improvements Project. This project also received recognition from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) San Luis Obispo Branch for both Outstanding Roadway and Highway Project, and Outstanding Transportation Project.

The City of Paso Robles completed construction of a “dog bone” shaped roundabout—the first of its kind in the region—at the intersection of Golden Hill Road and Union Road in June 2023, addressing traffic congestion and geometric deficiencies. The project avoided private property acquisition by limiting the roadway footprint to the existing paved area.

Cannon performed construction management, inspection, construction staking, and materials testing for the multi-staged project. The roadway improvements involved:

• Accessibility compliant sidewalks, ramps, and crosswalks
• Multi-modal improvements
• Traveled way realignment
• New pavement, striping, markings, and signage.

The project also involved underground utility relocations and extensions (water, sewer, fiber conduits); drainage improvements; and numerous aesthetic enhancements.

As the first “dog bone” style roundabout in SLO County, the project presented unique challenges for the team. Cannon supported with coordination and phasing of detour routes throughout the City to facilitate the full intersection closure; layout and staking for the roundabout’s unique geometry; and coordination of emergency vehicle accommodations during construction.

The City was able to save millions of dollars in construction costs by closing the intersection in its entirety for the duration of the project, increasing productivity and reducing overall costs. Despite encountering delays caused by weather conditions and late adjustments to the roadway profile from unforeseen circumstances, the team successfully opened the completed roundabout to the public three weeks ahead of schedule, on July 5th, 2023.

The finished project has alleviated traffic congestion and will accommodate future transportation related growth. Congratulations to the City of Paso Robles for this great success on such a unique project!