Pismo Beach March 14, 2024 – Recognizing excellence in infrastructure development, the Central Coast Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) has awarded the Project of the Year in the Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair, >$15 million, category to the City of Pismo Beach for the Ocean Boulevard Coastal Access Project. This project also received recognition from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) San Luis Obispo Branch, being awarded the Outstanding Construction Project of 2024.

In 2017, major storm events inflicted severe damage on the coastal bluff and stormwater infrastructure along Ocean Boulevard in Pismo Beach, California. A critical consequence of this damage was the collapse of the coastal bluff, which posed a risk to the overhead road as well as the sewer and gas lines beneath the road’s surface. Also succumbing to damage, a segment of the storm drain system collapsed along with the bluff, and a beach access stairway was compromised and rendered unsafe for use.

To address the bluff damage and prevent continued bluff retreat, the City of Pismo Beach secured Emergency Relief funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), administered locally through the Caltrans Department of Local Assistance, District 5. The City hired Cannon to provide construction management and inspection services for the project. As a result of the Ocean Boulevard Coastal Access Project the bluffs were stabilized from Morro Avenue to Cuyama Avenue; the stairs were replaced; new ADA-compliant blufftop scenic sidewalks and lookouts were installed; and the storm drain outfall was replaced.

Congratulations to the City of Pismo Beach for this great success!