The city of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is currently making improvements to City curb ramps and storm drains -- all made possible by Measure Y funding your -- half-cent sales tax at work.

The following is information on these projects, along with estimated construction schedules and costs:

ADA Access Curb Ramps 2011
Construction to continue improving curb ramps for better accessibility throughout the City began in May and is estimated to be completed in late July. This project will either upgrade or install 41 curb ramps in surrounding downtown areas. As of June 30, 22 have been completed.

The ramps will adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, providing persons with disabilities and other pedestrians with greater access. Curb ramps will be installed prior to paving and slurry sealing programs, which will begin later this year in accordance to the City’s Pavement Management Plan (PMP).

Working hours for the project are Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 4 PM. Surrounding sidewalks will be closed and detours will be provided for pedestrians. This project is funded by Community Development Block Grant funds and 7.5% Measure Y funds, the half-cent sales tax measure approved by City residents. The estimated construction cost is $179,000.

The Project Manager is Public Works Engineer, Manny Guzman. Construction Management is overseen by Public Works Engineering Inspector, Mark Williams, and the Contractor is San Benito Supply. Please see attached map for specific locations of the project.

Storm Drain Culvert Repair
Construction to repair the storm drain culvert under Higuera Street, between Bridge Street and Elks Lane, began July 5 and has an estimated completion date of October 28. The Higuera Street culvert, which carries storm water flow from Exposition Creek under Higuera Street, has been in service since 1911. The current condition of the storm drain requires the specific actions of this project to extend the service life of the culvert.

As part of this project, a new reinforced concrete roof will be installed to support the roadway above. Weakened and exposed portions of the structure’s sides will be repaired through concrete patching and the replacement of corroded reinforcement. A concrete floor will be placed over exposed soil in order to cease the ponding of water, collection of debris and reduction in flow capacity.

Higuera Street’s two inside lanes will be closed during construction. Working hours for this project are Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. This project is funded entirely through Measure Y. The estimated construction cost is $161,755. The project manager is Senior Civil Engineer Dan Van Beveren. The project contractor is Souza Construction, Inc. and the design contractor is Wallace Group.

For more information on how San Luis Obispo tax payers’ Measure Y funds are being put to use, visit the City website www.slocity.org or contact Public Information Officer, Andrea M. Montes at (805) 781-7014 or via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .