County secures final funding for transportation projects
The Bob Jones Trail Extension will link existing trail sections
– San Luis Obispo County has secured final funding approval from the California Transportation Commission for two active transportation projects, the Bob Jones Trail Extension and the Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector. The projects will now proceed with final design and construction, following approval through the State Transportation Improvement Program.
The commission gave its final approval at its March 21 meeting. Funding for both projects will come from the commission’s Active Transportation Program for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The Bob Jones Trail Extension was allocated $18.2 million, and the Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector received $2.8 million. Additional local funding was provided by San Luis Obispo County Public Works, the County Parks and Recreation Department, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, and a community fundraising drive.
“We are greatly appreciative the CTC has acknowledged how significant these two projects are to the region. This last step in funding was only made possible by many years of inter-agency collaboration and resident advocacy at the state, regional, and local level, ensuring both projects could be delivered as promised,” said San Luis Obispo Council of Governments Executive Director Pete Rodgers.
The Bob Jones Trail Extension will link existing trail sections, connecting a 2.5-mile trail from Avila Beach to Highway 101 and a 1-mile section from Prado Road to Los Osos Valley Road in San Luis Obispo. When completed, the extension will create a continuous multi-use path from the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo to the Avila Beach trailhead on Ontario Drive. It will also connect with the Shell Beach path in Pismo Beach. Caltrans District 5 contributed by providing the necessary right-of-way for the final trail alignment.
“This allocation sets the stage for completing a critical link in the Bob Jones Trail. This important regional trail will serve visitors and local communities for decades to come. Kudos to our SLOCOG and SLO County partners whose persistence is turning this shared vision into reality,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Scott Eades.
Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector will establish a one-mile multi-use path along Highway 1
The Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector will establish a 1-mile, 12-foot-wide Class I multi-use path along Highway 1. The project includes bridges, retaining walls, park benches, and improved signage, creating a scenic and safe transportation corridor for cyclists and pedestrians. Once completed, it will connect existing pedestrian and bicycle networks in Morro Bay and Cayucos.
“We are thrilled that we can finally advance this worthwhile and community-based project that will provide safe, multi-modal access for all users,” said San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department Project Manager Aaron Yonker.
The projects are expected to enhance the region’s active transportation network, offering healthier and more sustainable mobility options while supporting the economic vitality of San Luis Obispo County.
