Grant Funding for Coastal Trail Connecting Morro Bay and Cayucos
Author: public works
Date: 12/15/2022 4:38 PM
San Luis Obispo County - The California Transportation Commission approved a $7.4 million grant that will fund construction of a multi-use trail segment connecting Morro Bay and Cayucos along the west side of Highway 1.
The new 1.25-mile pathway will result in a more than 10-mile bike route, four miles already existing in Cayucos and more than five miles in Morro Bay.
This new segment will be part of the California Coastal Trail and will have close-up ocean views. It will create a safe pedestrian and bicycle connection between these communities where today, the path requires walking and riding on Highway 1 next to high-speed traffic.
Improvements to adjacent bike routes (parking, signs, striping) are included in this project. See attached site map.
Elizabeth Kavanaugh, County of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Planner, has managed the trail project for the past decade and said, “We owe thanks to San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), the City of Morro Bay, and Caltrans for their continued support and guidance.”
Through a survey in May, 85 percent of residents in Morro Bay and Cayucos said they would walk or bike the trail when completed.
More quotes:
Bruce Gibson
District 2 Supervisor
“I’m beyond excited to see funding coming for their long-awaited project. The connector will provide a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy our incomparable coastline. This project has it all – a chance to enjoy nature with healthy outdoor exercise, an alternative to driving a busy highway and a world class coastal access that will boost our visitor-serving economy.
Dawn Ortiz-Legg
District 3 Supervisor
The ability to increase trail connectivity in SLO County increases healthy lifestyle options as well as boosts tourism. We appreciate the California Transportation Commission working with SLO County on all transportation grants.
Nick Franco
Director of Parks and Recreation
“Morro Bay and Cayucos are both popular destinations for many outdoor activities and this project will provide a safe and scenic non-motorized way to travel on the expanded California Coastal Trail between these two wonderful coastal communities.”
Pete Rodgers
Executive Director SLOCOG
“This project closes a gap in the pedestrian and bicycling network by connecting the communities of Cayucos and Morro Bay,” said Pete Rodgers, Executive Director of SLOCOG. “We couldn’t be happier to see this longstanding regional priority move forward.
