City of San Luis Obispo, CA

The Higuera Complete Streets Project will provide corridor-wide improvements for all road users, including essential road maintenance and pedestrian accessibility upgrades, as well as important enhancements to the north/south and east/west connections to local schools, businesses, parks, community services, the downtown area, and residences. The project is identified as a high priority (Tier 1 project) in the Active Transportation Plan and plays an important role in reducing emissions as part of the City’s Climate Action Plan and the City’s goal to eliminate severe traffic collisions as part of the Vision Zero Program. The City has secured over $9 million in outside funding for the project with a target to start construction in Summer 2026.

To guide the project's design, staff spent three years conducting extensive public outreach, environmental review, and traffic operational studies in collaboration with other City departments. With the design phase complete, the City Council Hearing offers a final opportunity for public input before the Council approves the construction plans and authorizes the project for advertisement.

At this same hearing, the City will also consider final approval of a related project on the Higuera Street corridor - the 50 Higuera Widening Project - which will include minor road widening and restriping to provide a center turn lane on Higuera Street between Bridge Street and Elks Lane. While related to the Higuera Complete Streets Project, work on this project is expected to begin in spring 2026. 

Project Design Elements

• Improve pedestrian crossings and accessibility, including 70+ curb ramps and 40+ upgraded or new crosswalks
• Improved pavement quality and refreshed striping for all travelers
• New center turn lanes and upgraded traffic signals for motor vehicles
• Roadway widening on Higuera Street near Bridge Street
• Protected bike lanes and other bicycle enhancements
• Improved access to transit stops
• Neighborhood greenway connections to Hawthorne Elementary School and Broad Street

The community can provide input about the project at the upcoming City Council Meeting:
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: City Hall - Council Chamber, 990 Palm Street

Community members can get an update on the project and provide final feedback.  

Project Map and Improvements
The overview map below identifies the project area, highlights of major improvements, and connections to destinations.