Bob Jones Pathway Progress

By BETTY HARTIG

The original vision for the Bob Jones Pathway was for a trail from San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach. Initial plans for this “City to Sea” trail began in the 1980s. Construction of the first segment of the Class 1 path from Ontario Road to Avila Beach was in 1993. Nearly twenty years later, the city of San Luis Obispo built a section from Prado Road to Los Osos Valley Road. During this period, San Luis Obispo County Parks collaborated with the community to develop the third segment of the Bob Jones Trail. In 2021 the Bob Jones Pathway, the most popular trail within San Luis Obispo County Parks system, received $18.25 million in state grant funds for the trail expansion. The Active Transportation Program Grant (ATP) money will be used to finalize design, obtain easements, and buildout of the trail between Ontario Road to the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo.

The 4.5-mile multiuse trail will be an addition joining the existing popular 2.5-mile pathway. Trail enthusiasts eagerly stand by for updates.

A great deal was considered with the configuration of this pathway. The construction documents are about 65 percent completed. Safe crossings and avoidance of the north and southbound on-and-off-ramps on Highway 101 were calculated. Hydrological studies and flood analysis are included in the delineation of the pathway to mitigate flooding impacts. Currently, appraisals are being put together for the easements needed for the trail. Like most projects, there are steps that take time to accomplish. Tasks that have been completed are the environmental documents, which include the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Most of the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates have been finished.

The grant funds are designated for allocation by June 2023; however, a 20-month extension will be considered at the June 2023 California Transportation Commission meeting to push out the allotment