Safe Routes to School Multi-Use Pathway

The section of Los Osos Valley Road between Oceanaire Drive and Laguna Lane became congested with traffic at the beginning and end of the school day due to parents dropping off and picking up students at Laguna Middle School. Vehicles queued in the west bound bike lane while waiting to turn on to Laguna Lane. Bicycle traffic was forced to use the sidewalk, which created a potentially dangerous situation with bicycles and pedestrians sharing the space. Consequently, an increasing number of parents opted to drive their children to school which ultimately increased vehicle congestion.

The Safe Routes to School program provided an opportunity to improve circulation in this critical location. As such, the City of San Luis Obispo selected Cannon to complete the design of improvements to mitigate this situation. The scope of services included preparation of a topographic survey and construction plans including traffic signal improvements, technical specifications, and an estimate of probable construction cost.

The project entailed providing a 12-foot minimum path width without the need to encroach outside of the existing City right-of-way. Design minimized the extent to which the project encroached into the south side of Los Osos Valley Road by reducing lane widths and transition lengths. Curb ramps and driveways within the project limits were designed to adhere to current ADA standards. Existing drainage inlets were replaced, and existing drainage patterns were maintained. Maximizing the buffer between motor-vehicle traffic and the multi-use path was critical. With this in mind, signage intended to alert traffic of heavy pedestrian traffic during school hours was installed. In addition, stamped concrete was installed along the edge of the sidewalk to create a visual buffer between the adult bicycle lane and multi-use pathway.