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We're continuing to upgrade vital groundwork to enhance the reliability, capacity, and safety of our water and sewer systems in San Luis Obispo. As part of the 2026 Sewer & Water Projects, focused on replacing aging sewer pipes and waterlines to ensure reliable, efficient service for the community, we expect to begin work on the California Waterline Replacement as early as Monday, July 20, 2026. 

We expect to begin potholing work to mark underground utilities for a couple of weeks. Work is planned to start on California and Taft, moving towards Mill Street. Work will be Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. with occasional night work to minimize traffic disruptions as well as water service interruptions during the day (Contractors will notify community members when we expect to have water service interruptions). During construction, commuters and pedestrians can expect minor traffic impacts due to lane closures and shifting, flagging, bike and sidewalk closures, and intermittent road closures with detours. Following the potholing work, we expect to start trench work in the project area to begin the replacement process. 

Project Highlights 

• Replacement of 1,660 linear feet of water transmission main 
• Upgrading a critical 16-inch cast iron pipeline (installed in the 1960s) to a 16-inch ductile iron pipeline 

The California Waterline Replacement Improvements will replace and upgrade aging waterlines that have reached the end of their service life. These improvements will help prevent costly emergency repairs, minimizes service interruptions for customers, and allow maintenance crews to focus more on preventive work that extends the life of the entire water system. 

To learn more about these projects please visit out Sewer and Water Projects webpage. 

Please keep an eye out for orange cones and active construction sites and remember to:  

Allow Extra Travel Time: Due to ongoing construction, please allow for extra travel time when navigating these areas. 


Slow Down for Construction Crews: Please reduce your speed and exercise caution when driving through construction zones. Slow down if you see orange cones. Our dedicated crews are working diligently to make San Luis Obispo safer for everyone.

Why These Projects Matter

While these construction projects may create temporary disruptions, we want to emphasize their significance in shaping the future and protecting the City San Luis Obispo. Each project is community-driven and essential to our city's future. They are not just about fixing roads, creeks, and adding bike lanes; they're a vital part of our collective vision for San Luis Obispo. 

Once complete, they will keep SLO in motion, keeping our infrastructure in tip-top shape, making it easier and safer for community members to get around, connecting communities, and creating healthy recreational opportunities for community members.  

As you navigate through these construction zones, please remember that the inconveniences you may face today are investments in a brighter and more accessible tomorrow. 

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are shaping the future of San Luis Obispo, one project at a time. 

Other Construction and Traffic Impacts  

Every week, we post current traffic updates and road closure information for all Public Works projects happening in San Luis Obispo. Follow these updates on our Construction and Traffic Updates webpage.  

Website: Get to know the SLO in Motion projects by visiting www.slocity.org/sloinmotion. 
Email us: sloinmotion@slocity.org 
Call us: 805-783-7887 
Sign up for project e-notifications: www.slocity.org/subscribe