New phase of downtown safety project set to begin
Holiday shopping season unaffected by downtown construction project
– The City of Atascadero is advancing with the Downtown Safety and Parking Enhancements Project and is working to minimize traffic disruptions ahead of the holiday shopping season. The community-driven project is focused on improving safety and revitalizing the city’s downtown area.
Once complete, the project will bring several improvements to the downtown core, including additional crosswalks with increased visibility, a signalized pedestrian crossing at East Mall, more than 100 new free parking spaces, and new landscaping and street trees.
The utilities and roadway edge improvements phases are nearly finished. Weather permitting, the next phase of construction — the development of the center ramblas, where angled parking is planned — will begin next week.
As part of this new phase, traffic will be shifted to the outer lanes, and free street parking will be available for visitors during the holiday shopping season. K-rail barricades will be installed around the median work to clearly mark the travel lanes along El Camino Real. The work in the center median will include pavement striping and milling, paver installation, concrete work on curbs and planters, and electrical and lighting work.
Construction will take place on El Camino Real between Highway 41 and Rosario Avenue. Hardscape and drainage-basin improvements will continue along the edges of El Camino Real north of Traffic Way. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with parallel parking available along the curb. Drivers are encouraged to follow traffic signage and anticipate delays in the construction areas. Access to businesses will remain open, and residents and visitors are urged to continue supporting downtown during the holiday season and special events.
To stay informed on updates, traffic advisories, and event impacts, the public is encouraged to follow the city on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and visit Atascadero.org/ECRProject. Community members can also sign up for construction news and alerts at Atascadero.org/News-List.
