San Luis Obispo County Airport Ground Access Plan Ground...San Luis Obispo County Airport Ground...

San Luis Obispo County Airport Ground Access Plan

San Luis Obispo County Airport Ground Access Plan Presented by SLOCOG

September 2016


i

SLOCOG 2016 Airport Ground Access Plan

San Luis Obispo Council of Governments

1114 Marsh Street San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401

Tel: (805) 781-4219 Fax: (805) 781-5703

E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.slocog.org

Executive Director: Ronald L. De Carli Deputy Director: Peter Rodgers

Document Prepared by: Benjamin Rady


ii

Contents

Figures ............................................................................................................................iv

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................ 1

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport ................................................................... 1

Paso Robles Municipal Airport ..................................................................................... 2

Oceano County Airport ................................................................................................ 3

Chapter 1 - Introduction ................................................................................................... 4

1.1 – Considerations .................................................................................................... 5

Chapter 2 – San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport ................................................. 10

2.1 – Projects Completed or In-Progress ................................................................... 15

2.2 – Proposed Projects ............................................................................................ 15

2.2.1 – Prado Road Interchange/ Overcrossing and Extension ............................. 15

2.2.2 – Other East-West Connector Improvements ................................................ 18

2.2.3 – North-South Connector Improvements ....................................................... 19

2.3 – Airport Wayfinding Signage .............................................................................. 21

2.4 – Transit Access .................................................................................................. 22

2.4.1 – Regional Fixed Route ................................................................................. 22

2.4.2 – Local Fixed Route ...................................................................................... 23

2.4.4 – Shuttles ...................................................................................................... 25

2.4.5 – Transportation Network Companies ........................................................... 26

2.4.6 – Other Modes .............................................................................................. 26

2.5 – Private Vehicle Operations ............................................................................... 28

2.5.1 – Parking Lots ............................................................................................... 28

2.5.2 – Rental Car Services ....................................................................................... 30

2.6 – Recommendations ............................................................................................ 30

2.6.1 – Recommendation Explanations .................................................................. 31

Chapter 3 – Paso Robles Municipal Airport ................................................................... 33




iii


3.3.1 – Recommendation Explanations ..................................................................... 38

Chapter 4 – Oceano County Airport .............................................................................. 43



4.3 – Pedestrian Facilities .......................................................................................... 45


Referenced Documents ................................................................................................. 47

Appendix A – Wayfinding Signage Descriptions ..........................................................A-1

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport ................................................................A-1

Paso Robles Municipal Airport ..................................................................................A-2

Oceano County Airport .............................................................................................A-3

Appendix B – Project Reference ..................................................................................B-1

San Luis Obispo .......................................................................................................B-1


iv

Figures

Figure 1 – San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport ...................................................... 4

Figure 2 – Paso Robles Municipal Airport ....................................................................... 5

Figure 3 – Oceano County Airport ................................................................................... 6

Figure 4 – San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport Terminal Entrance ...................... 10

Figure 5 – McChesney Field Vicinity Map: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport

Master Plan Update ..................................................................................... 11

Figure 6 – SBP Daily Arrivals as of August 4, 2016 ...................................................... 12

Figure 7 – SBP Daily Departures as of August 4, 2016................................................. 12

Figure 8 – Annual Passengers at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport ................ 13

Figure 9 – Graphical Rendering of New SBP Terminal ................................................. 14

Figure 10 – Summary Airport Activity Forecast ............................................................. 14

Figure 11 – Key Proposed Projects from the Airport Area Specific Plan ....................... 16

Figure 12 – Existing Road Classifications Prior to Prado Road Projects from the City of

San Luis Obispo General Plan Circulation Element ................................... 17

Figure 13 – Current LOS Prior to Prado Road Projects from the City of San Luis Obispo

General Plan Circulation Element............................................................... 18

Figure 14 – SLO RTA Route 10 and 10X ...................................................................... 23

Figure 15 – SLOSRTP Proposed Routes Map .............................................................. 24

Figure 16 – Bicycle Transportation Network in San Luis Obispo ................................... 27

Figure 17 – Parking Lots at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport ......................... 28

Figure 18 – SBP Parking Lot Diagram .......................................................................... 29

Figure 19 – Paso Robles Municipal Airport Terminal .................................................... 33

Figure 20 – Paso Robles Municipal Airport Vicinity Map ............................................... 34

Figure 21 – SR 46/Union Road Improvement Alternative 4: Overcrossing .................... 35


v

Figure 22 – SR 46/Union Road Improvement Alternative 5: Half Clover-Leave

Interchange ................................................................................................ 36

Figure 23 – Turning Movement Counts at Airport Road and SR 46 East

(January 2016) ........................................................................................... 38

Figure 24 – Existing LOS at Airport Road and SR 46 East ........................................... 39

Figure 25 – Future LOS at Airport Road and SR 46 East.............................................. 39

Figure 26 – Entrance to the Oceano County Airport ..................................................... 43

Figure 27 – Oceano County Airport Vicinity Map .......................................................... 44

Figure 28 – Pedestrian Facility Recommendations ....................................................... 46

Figure 29 – Airport Wayfinding Signs Found in San Luis Obispo County.....................A-3


1

Executive Summary

There are three publically-owned and operated airports within the San Luis Obispo

Council of Governments (SLOCOG) region: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport,

Paso Robles Municipal Airport, and Oceano County Airport. Each of these airports has

its own set of unique circumstances which determine its ease of access. The purpose of

this Airport Ground Access Plan is to explore recent and planned ground access

projects associated with the area’s three airports and make recommendations to

improve future access. The report also discusses additional transit access and private

vehicle operation options associated with the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport

The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is a Commercial Service airport serving

the region. While there is not a specific project to improve access to the San Luis

Obispo County Regional Airport, there are a number of projects that are planned and

are in various stages of development that improve airport ground access; these include:

- The Prado Road extension between South Higuera Street and Broad Street and

the development of an interchange or overcrossing at US 101.

- State Route 227 improvements to reduce congestion from Los Ranchos Road to

Airport Road

- Additional proposed east-west projects include the extension of Buckley Road

from Vachell Lane to South Higuera Street and improvements to Tank Farm

Road

- North-south connector projects include the improvement of Broad Street,

realignment and extension of Santa Fe Road, and the construction of a new

collector between Tank Farm Road and Buckley Road

- Existing San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport wayfinding signage is

adequate, though may benefit from additional signage in a few areas

The regional fixed transit RTA Route 10X accesses the Airport business park while SLO

Transit Route 3 provides local transit service with a stop near Tank Farm Road and

Broad Street. Several services, including taxi and limo, operate out of the airport while

some local hotels advertise a shuttle to and from the Airport. The airport offers short-

and long-term parking at several locations. Furthermore, four rental car companies

operate at the airport. For those whom prefer to drive a private automobile, there are a

variety of parking lots available and an array of rental car services to choose from. In

addition to these planned improvements, the airport could benefit from some additional


2

wayfinding signage and an infrequent alternative local fixed route transit circuit with a

stop at the airport.

Recommendations to improve ground access to San Luis Obispo County Regional

Airport include:

1. Roadway improvements as indicated by the planned projects

2. Additional wayfinding signage

3. Wayfinding signage consolidation

4. An infrequent alternative local fixed route transit circuit

5. Expansion of hotel shuttle services

Paso Robles Municipal Airport

The Paso Robles Municipal Airport, a General Aviation airport, is owned and operated

by the City of Paso Robles and provides an important service to commercial and

recreational flight as the only commercial airport serving the North County planning

area. Proposed projects associated with this airport include:

- Improvements to State Route 46 East near and including Airport Road, the

reconfiguring of Union Road in relation to SR 46 East

- Roadway connections parallel to SR 46 East

Wayfinding signage leading to the Paso Robles Municipal Airport is found mostly

directing traffic coming from south of Paso Robles utilizing US 101. Considering the

existing and projected level of service (LOS) at the Airport Road and SR 46 East

intersection, recommendations revolve around interim alleviation of congestion and

delay through channelization and other means. Additional recommendations include

supplementary wayfinding signage and improvements to the shoulders of Airport Road.

Recommendations to improve ground access to Paso Robles Municipal Airport include:

1. New Interchange and/or alternatives that improve operations at SR 46

East/Union Road.

2. Northerly road extension and bridge over Huer Huero Creek connecting with

Airport Road as discussed in proposed projects

3. Interim alleviation of congestion and delay at Airport Road and SR 46 East

through channelization and other means

4. Improvements to Airport Road shoulders approaching the Paso Robles Municipal

Airport

5. Additional airport wayfinding signage


3

Oceano County Airport

The Oceano County Airport is a Basic Utility airport which is most frequently used for

private services. There are currently no significant surface access modifications

anticipated. As such a small airport, very few wayfinding signs are required to direct

traffic. It is recommended to replace one wayfinding sign that appears to have once

existed, but is no longer present. In addition, it may be beneficial to consider pedestrian

facilities between Pier Avenue and the Oceano County Airport.


4

Figure 1 – San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Aviation improves mobility; generates tax revenues; saves lives through emergency

response, medical and firefighting services; transports air cargo for goods movement;

and supports major tourism, hospitality, food services and other local industries. In

addition, the Caltrans 2011 California Aviation System Plan states that in 2003 nearly

9% of the State’s Gross Domestic Product and jobs could be tied, directly or indirectly,

to aviation. This makes aviation a critical function of promoting quality access into and

out of airports.

There are three publically-owned and operated airports within the San Luis Obispo

region: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, Paso Robles Municipal Airport, and

Oceano County Airport. The SLO County Regional Airport is a Commercial Service

(CS) facility operated by the county of San Luis Obispo. Paso Robles Municipal Airport

is a General Aviation (GA) facility that is operated by the City of Paso Robles. Oceano

County Airport is a Basic Utility (BU) facility owned by the County.


5

The purpose of this Airport

Ground Access Study is to

explore ease with which the

three San Luis Obispo County

airports are accessed by

roadways. For each airport,

recent and proposed projects

surrounding the area that may

impact the airport’s ground

access are discussed. In

addition, each existing airport

wayfinding sign was collected in

an inventory to ensure that all

patrons have a clear route to

the airport. Transit access was

discussed only as it pertains to

the San Luis Obispo County

Regional Airport. Last, a series

of recommendations are proposed to improve ground access to each respective airport.

1.1 – Considerations

There are a variety of plans and documents that address and direct the content to be

covered in an Airport Ground Access Plan. The California Department of Transportation

(Caltrans) requests consideration of three documents that concern how ground access

should be addressed in a plan: the California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook, the

Caltrans Ground Access to Airport Study, and the California Airports Best Practice

Guide. In addition, the SLOCOG’s 2014 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable

Communities Strategy (2014 RTP/SCS) includes policies to address enhanced airport

ground access for the future.

The California Airport Land Use Handbook offers guidance to road development near

airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggests that no new roads are built

within or run through runway protection zones (RPZs). The Handbook recommends that

the RPZs should remain completely clear of all objects, including roads. Consideration

should be made to give these zones a wide berth when acquiring land for and preparing

expanded right-of-way projects to avoid any future confrontation. Automobile parking is

considered acceptable only on the outer edges of RPZs (outside the extended object

free area). Roads running through RPZs and in safety zones, especially major

Figure 2 – Paso Robles Municipal Airport


6

thoroughfares, may

require special

considerations when

generating usage

intensity calculations.

The Caltrans Ground

Access to Airport Study

guides the creation of

future airport ground

access studies. The

Caltrans study notes

that the primary goal of

the ground access

needs inventory should

be to identify and

define high-priority ground access projects that are intended to lower congestion

surrounding the airport in near to long term time frames. The Caltrans study also

encourages that airport ground access planning and capital improvement efforts

coordinate with all applicable degrees of to improve alternative modes of transportation

such as public transit. This document considers the guidance of the Caltrans Ground

Access to Airport Study to better inform discussions and recommendations.

Airport ground access was not a topic addressed in the California Airports Best Practice

Guide. This document is used primarily to ensure jurisdictional cooperation for internal

airport projects and land use plans rather than ground access.

The 2014 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)/Sustainable Communities Strategy

(SCS) indicates several policies that apply to all airport ground access situations within

the region:

- Aviation Policy 1: Support initiation of new passenger service designations and

markets (i.e., Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Sacramento).

- Aviation Policy 2: Maintain and expand efficient and easily accessible air

transportation complementing economic development within the region.

- Aviation Policy 3: Support airport development that is compatible with nearby

communiities surrounding land uses, considering the safety of residents and

minimizing impacts to the environment, and support compatible land uses in the

airport area consistent with state and federal law.

- Aviation Policy 4: Improve multimodal ground access to all airports in the region

where appropriate.

Figure 3 – Oceano County Airport


7

- Aviation Policy 5: Assist the County in maintaining the SLO County Regional

Airport as the primary airport for the region, while recognizing the potential of the

Paso Robles Municipal Airport as an alternative regional airport for the North

County.

- Aviation Policy 6: Provide adequate facilities to serve existing and projected

needs for general aviation air passenger service, airfreight, and emergency

service aircraft (including helicopters).

- Aviation Policy 7: Provide the highest funding priority to projects that mitigate

existing safety deficiencies, provide for other safety upgrades, and maintain

aviation facilities as needed.

The 2014 RTP/SCS indicates several strategies that apply to all airport ground access

situations within the region:

- Aviation Strategy 1: Provide airport facility improvements to meet current needs,

safety concerns and forecasted growth within a balanced regional approach

based on population distribution and within resource limits.

- Aviation Strategy 2: Ensure that existing and projected airport needs, both local

and regional, are considered in the California Aviation System Plan (CASP),

Airport Master Plans and Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans.

- Aviation Strategy 3: Support plans and projects that reduce and/or mitigate

existing and potential impacts associated with airport use and facilities.

- Aviation Strategy 4: Provide for regional coordination between local jurisdictions

in the development of airport facilities.

- Aviation Strategy 5: Support overall land use compatibility between city/county

general plans, specific plans and zoning ordinances, the Airport Land Use Plan

and the Airport Master Plan consistent with state and federal law.

- Aviation Strategy 6: Ensure establishment of appropriate, safe, intermodal

surface access to county airports from highways, streets and roads.

- Aviation Strategy 7: Encourage affected jurisdictions, airport operators, and air

carriers to provide alternatives for increased airport accessibility including: public

transit, bikeways, private sector vanpools (i.e., hotel shuttles), car-sharing, and

general public airport shuttles.

- Aviation Strategy 8: Encourage airport ground access improvement projects

including: improved access to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport from US

101; improved access to Paso Robles Municipal Airport on Airport Road

including paved shoulders.

- Aviation Strategy 9: Support scheduled and/or demand responsive shuttle

services at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport; coordinated with and not

competing against local fixed-route transit services, to provide connections to


8

and from the local and regional transit system, railroad station, and other

locations.

- Aviation Strategy 10: Encourage comprehensive ground transportation

integration with current scheduled airline services and easy access for seamless

intermodal connections at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.

- Aviation Strategy 11: Provide matching regional funds to help leverage federal

aviation grants for new passenger air services.

The City of San Luis Obispo General Plan Circulation Element includes two policies that

directly correlate to ground access at McChesney Field:

- Policy 11.1.1: Interstate Air Service

o The City shall support and encourage expansion of air transportation

service.

- Policy 11.1.3: Public Transit Service

o The City shall encourage improved public transit service to the County

airport as soon as practical.

The Caltrans 2011 California Aviation System Plan includes mobility policies and

objectives associated with airport ground access. These also coincide with SLOCOG

RTP/SCS policies.

- Policy:

o MB-2: Improve access to aviation resources through appropriate multi-

modal transportation initiatives.

o MB-3: Improve ground access to airports that support passenger, air

cargo, and GA opportunities.

o MB-4: Improve multimodal access to public use airports for all users

including passengers, tenants, and employees.

- Objectives

o MBo-1: Support access improvements to the national aviation system from

small and rural communities.

o MBo-2: Improve ground access to airports for passengers and freight

through better inclusion of airports in planning documents.

o MBo-4: Improve transit connectivity to airports by closing gaps to and from

population centers.

The San Luis Obispo Airport Area Specific Plan specifies a few connectivity design

guidelines associated with ground access. Where feasible:

- Extend new roadways


9

As a means of improving the east-west and north-south connections with the rest of the

community, these roadway extensions will connect with existing roadways. This should

include local streets as well as collectors such as Prado Road and Santa Fe Road.

Internal street systems should be designed to provide through connections with

adjoining properties, and avoid overly circuitous and dead-end routes.

Details from all above Caltrans and SLOCOG sources as well as all accessible and

applicable documents were utilized to analyze, inform and complete this Airport Ground

Access Plan.


10

Chapter 2 – San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport

The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, also known by the Federal Aviation

Administration location identifier (FAA LID) as SBP or McChesney Field, is owned and

operated by the County of San Luis Obispo. The airport is located east of US 101 and

west of SR 227 at Aero Drive, just three miles southeast of downtown San Luis Obispo.

The airport is located just outside of city limits. It is classified by the state as Type IC,

accommodating short haul and scheduled air taxi or commuter service. As described in

the San Luis Obispo Area Plan (of the County’s Land Use and Circulation Element) it

represents a public facility of countywide importance because it is the only airport in the

county with commercial airline service.

The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport Master Plan Update describes the airport

as encompassing approximately 340 acres of unincorporated land in San Luis Obispo

County. The existing passenger terminal building was built in 1983, remodeled in 2000

and is approximately 14,400 square feet in area. As of 2014, SBP has 305 based

Figure 4 – San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport Terminal Entrance


11

Figure 5 – McChesney Field Vicinity Map: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport Master Plan Update


12

aircrafts; a based

aircraft is one which is

operational and able to

fly that is located at a

SBP for a majority of the

year. There are currently

two airline services that

operate out of SBP;

American Airlines

services to Phoenix and

United Airlines services

to Los Angeles and San

Francisco. SBP has

recently announced a

new daily nonstop

service to Seattle with

Alaska Airlines, to begin

service tentatively

starting April 2017. This expansion is one of many markets that the airport has been

actively seeking; others include Denver, Salt Lake City and Dallas. The goal is to

capture more of the

local travelers that

currently choose to

travel to Los Angeles,

Santa Barbara, San

Jose, or San Francisco

for flights. United has

announced its

conclusion of service

between Santa Maria

and San Francisco to be

October 2016. Kevin

Bumen, the Director of

San Luis Obispo County

Regional Airport and

Oceano County Airport,

reports a load factor in

the low- to mid- 80

percent range as an

Figure 6 – SBP Daily Arrivals as of August 4, 2016

Figure 7 – SBP Daily Departures as of August 4, 2016


13

average for SBP. The load factor is a description of the amount of seats filled on an

aircraft. The conclusion of service in Santa Maria may generate additional passengers

and increased load factor at SBP, potentially increasing traffic along SR 227 and US

101.

The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is a major transportation hub integrating

multimodal regional travel while improving the quality of life, economic opportunity and

the environment. Out of the 250 airports in the state, SBP is one of 30 commercial

service airports. The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is a critical component to

the aviation transportation system within the state and the western United States.

Caltrans’ 2016 California Transportation Plan 2040 notes that airports provide local,

regional, national and worldwide linkages in transporting people and goods. With

changing technologies, SBP will become more efficient and provide additional

multimodal connectivity to other modes of transportation in the system.

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport has experienced roughly a 3.4% increase in

passengers, which includes both enplanements and deplanements, per year since

2009. Since the large decline in passengers ending in 2008 and 2009, annual

passengers have increased from 241,061 in 2009 to as high as 302,652 in 2014.

Figure 8 – Annual Passengers at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport


14

Growth in annual passengers creates an increasing need for parking, though SBP has

deferred plans for a future parking structure in light of the costs associate with funding

the new terminal to be open tentatively summer 2017. The 2014 working draft of the

Proposed Amendment to the Airport Land Use Plan for the San Luis Obispo County

Regional Airport provides a forecasted operational projection through 2054 in Figure 8.

One of the unique challenges with the location of, and thus ground access to, the San

Luis Obispo County Regional Airport facility and the surrounding area is the fixed layout

of arterial streets and their “divergence” from the center of the city as they head towards

South County. This deviation requires improvements of increasing lengths the farther

that the site is located from downtown San Luis Obispo and US 101. Connectivity,

mobility and access improvements become increasingly difficult and expensive as

compared to similar arterials located closer to the center of town and US 101. This

results in higher costs

for infrastructure

development per

development unit than

in other areas and is

further complicated by

the large amount of

open space located in

the midst of the airport

area.

Figure 10 – Summary Airport Activity Forecast

Figure 9 – Graphical Rendering of New SBP Terminal


15

2.1 – Projects Completed or In-Progress

Several projects associated with ground access to the San Luis Obispo County

Regional Airport have occurred recently. The US 101/Los Osos Valley Road

interchange, completed in early 2016, has eased travel between the western portion of

San Luis Obispo to the eastern. Also in early 2016, Broad Street (SR 227) has been

widened between High Street to the north and Orcutt Road to the south. Prado Road to

the east of US 101 has been extended, though dead ends prior to Broad Street. Much

closer to McChesney Field, Aero Drive has undergone a realignment which resulted in a

signalized intersection with Broad Street (SR 227). In addition, projects and plans have

recently been completed to improve access to the airport area in the future include the

US 101-Los Osos Valley Road Interchange, and Los Osos Valley Road extension from

US 101 to South Higuera Street.

2.2 – Proposed Projects

The city of San Luis Obispo extensively analyzed circulation improvements around the

airport and throughout the city during the development of their Land Use and Circulation

Plan update. These comprehensive city proposed improvements were subsequently

integrated into the 2014 RTP/SCS. These plans and surrounding area Specific Plans

include projects and improvements that would improve the circulation and growth of the

airport area and ground access to SBP: The planned completion and opening for

operation of the new terminal scheduled for summer 2017, requires a realignment of

roadways within the McChesney Field property. San Luis Obispo County Regional

Airport officials have assured that there will be no change to access for fire services

operating out of McChesney Field. Many of the ground access projects and

improvements that are suggested can be broken into one of two categories. The first

represents projects that improve east-west connection in San Luis Obispo. The other

represents projects that improve north-south connections in the city.

2.2.1 – Prado Road Interchange/ Overcrossing and Extension

The development of an interchange or overcrossing at US 101 and Prado Road is

indicated as the highest priority project in the city’s General Plan. This project will

provide direct access from west San Luis Obispo and US 101 to Broad Street and the

airport. The extension of Prado Road is a high priority project in San Luis Obispo. A

challenge associated with establishing an east-west connection is the acquisition of

multiple properties owned by different interests. In addition, development of phasing

individual properties may delay this objective; as such the phased implementation of

Prado Road is necessary.


16

Fig

ure

11

– K

ey P

rop

os

ed

Pro

jec

ts f

rom

th

e A

irp

ort

Are

a S

pe

cif

ic P

lan


17

The city’s General Plan Circulation Element lists projects numerically in order of

importance, many projects associated with Prado Road rank highly on this list.

- Project 1: Extend and widen Prado Rd. as an Arterial street with 2 lanes in each

direction, a center turn lane/landscaped median, Class II bike lanes, sidewalks

and Class I bike lanes (where feasible) from US 101 to Madonna.

- Project 2: Widen and extend Prado Rd. as an Highway/Regional Route Arterial

with 2 lanes in each direction, a center turn lane/landscaped median, Class II

bike lanes, sidewalks and Class I bike lanes (where feasible) from US 101 to

Broad Street. Right-of-way limitations east of Higuera outside of the MASP area

may limit the City’s ability to install Class I facilities.

- Project 19: Build full interchange at US 101. Development of San Luis Ranch

Area shall include a circulation analysis of alternatives to a full access

interchange, an analysis of compact interchange designs that minimize open

space / agriculture land impacts, and an analysis of potential incremental phasing

of the interchange elements.

A full interchange has several challenges, including Caltrans standards for interchange

spacing and potential flooding. Due to the close proximity of closely-spaced ramps in

the area, an operational analysis of US 101 and the Prado Road

interchange/overcrossing is underway. In addition to allowing access from west San

Luis Obispo, the creation of an overpass and extension of Prado Road will relieve traffic

congestion at Los Osos Valley Road and Madonna interchanges.

A recent Prado Road Project Study Report (PSR) Kick-Off Meeting (Aug 2016) was held

to lay the foundation of several US 101/Prado Road alternatives. At this time, six

alternatives are being considered by the Project Development Team (PDT).

1. Diamond interchange

2. Diamond/partial clover leaf

3. Partial clover leaf

4. Two partial clover leafs

5. Single point diamond

6. Overcrossing only

Figure 12 – Existing Road Classifications Prior to Prado Road Projects from the City of San Luis Obispo General Plan Circulation Element


18

The next step in the development process is to evaluate and select a preferred

alternative.

2.2.2 – Other East-West Connector Improvements

In addition to the previously discussed projects associated with Prado Road, the city’s

General Plan Circulation Element calls out other projects that will improve the

connection between the east and west portion so the city. Buckley Road, with its

proposed extension, may be preferable for carrying airport traffic as it is separate from

other crosstown traffic and provides access to the airport from the south.

- Project 3: Extend Buckley Road as an arterial street from Vachell Lane to South

Higuera Street.

Project three is also reflected as a goal listed in the San Luis Obispo Airport Area

Specific Plan:

- Goal 6.4.3: Improve Buckley Road to arterial standards while maintaining a street

character consistent with the area’s rural setting.

Plans are moving forward to extend Buckley Road to South Higuera Street in

connection with the proposed Avila Ranch development project. No timeframe is yet

determined for the roadway extension. This area has been analyzed extensively by the

city of San Luis Obispo during the development of their Land Use and Circulation Plan

update. Comprehensive improvements made in the update have also been integrated

into the 2014 RTP/SCS.

Another project in the city’s General Plan Circulation Element describes improvements

to Tank Farm Road.

- Project 11: Tank Farm Road widening and channelization, and bike facilities.

Widen Tank Farm Road as a Parkway Arterial with 2 lanes in each direction, a

center turn lane/landscaped median, Class II bike lanes, sidewalks and Class I

bike lanes (where feasible) from South Higuera Street to Broad Street.

Figure 13 – Current LOS Prior to Prado Road Projects from the City of San Luis Obispo General Plan Circulation Element


19

2.2.3 – North-South Connector Improvements

There are a variety of projects that, in connecting the north and south ends of San Luis

Obispo, could improve vehicular access to the airport. The first of such projects, as

described in goal format within the Airport Area Specific Plan, includes the improvement

of Broad Street and State Route 227 (SR 227).

- Goal: 6.4.1: Improve Broad Street as an urban arterial Guidelines

- Standard 6.4.1.1: Broad Street shall be widened to four lanes from Buckely Road

to the current four lane segment. Broad Street, from Buckley Road to Orcutt

Road, shall have a minimum right-of-way [of 82 feet]. Additional right-of-way may

be necessary at intersections that need additional turn lanes. The length of Broad

Street from Buckley Road to Orcutt Road shall have a landscaped median, and

Class II bike lanes.

Improving Broad Street to an urban arterial will allow for increased ease of access from

downtown San Luis Obispo to McChesney Field. A more heavily utilized road and the

location of the business park neighboring the Airport to the north may have implications

towards running a local transit line. This new line could then run along the improved

Broad Street to the airport. The Caltrans System Planning Transportation Concept

Report (TCR) for SR 227 indicates that the Level of Service (LOS) concept for this

segment of SR 227 is LOS C. The SR 227 TCR includes the following proposed

improvements within the study corridor:

- Widen to four-lanes with right- and left-turn channelization at major intersections

- Provision of a Class II bike facility

- Provision of auxiliary merge lanes as needed

Similarly, the 2014 RTP/SCS currently lists the widening of SR 227 from two to four-

lanes from Aero Drive to Los Ranchos Road in its financially-constrained Tier I list of

capital improvements. Furthermore, the Caltrans’ 2002 Transportation Concept Report

recommends extending the four lanes from the San Luis Obispo city limits to Price

Canyon Road with right and left-turn channelization at major intersections. Caltrans

also supports the addition of Class II bicycle lanes and auxiliary lanes as needed.

Caltrans is currently updating the SR 227 Transportation Concept Report (TCR) which

is scheduled for completion in December 2016.

The Caltrans 2002 Transportation Concept Report also recommends extending the four

lanes from the San Luis Obispo city limits to Price Canyon Road with right- and left-turn

channelization at major intersections. Caltrans is also in support of the addition of Class

II bicycle lanes and auxiliary lanes as needed.


20

A portion of the corridor is included as part of the Airport Area Specific Plan. The Airport

Area Specific Plan suggests the following improvements to the study corridor:

- Installation of gateway features at the intersection of SR 227 and Buckley Road

to mark the transition between the county and city jurisdictions

- Signalize the intersection of SR 227 and Aero Drive

- Widen to four lanes and add medians to SR 227 between Buckley Road and

Tank Farm Road

- Extend Sand Luis Obispo Transit Route 3 to provide transit service along SR 227

to serve the airport

- Provision of Class II bicycle lanes north of Buckley Road;

- Right-of-way preservation for SR 227 to accommodate an eventual six-lane

section in the future

- Development of an access management strategy for SR 227

- Prohibition of on-street parking

- SLOCOG has completed a more recent Study to address improving congestion

on SR 227.

The State Route 227 Operational Analysis from Tank Farm Road to Los Ranchos has

proposed several improvements to the corridor. It is expected to be considered for

approval at the SLOCOG Board’s December 2016 meeting. The draft study

recommends operational improvements, as well as multimodal and other improvements

along the corridor. This study considers two alternatives for the future development of

the corridor which:

- Maximize efficiency and safety

- Achieve acceptable operating conditions relative to the projected future demand

- Improve multi-modal connectivity

- Maintain SR 227’s rural and scenic highway character

- Minimize potential impacts to the natural environment

The first alternative is to widen SR 227 and introduce coordinated adaptive signal

controls to Farmhouse Lane/Airport Drive/Kendall Road, Buckley Road, Crestmont

Drive and Los Ranchos Road. The second alternative is the provision of roundabouts

improvement of the four intersections along SR 227 discussed in the first option. This

option requires less land acquisition, offers a lower total cost, and increased safety and

as such is the recommended alternative in the State Route 227 Operational Analysis.

The City of San Luis Obispo General Plan addresses the realignment and extension of

Santa Fe Road as a project of importance which subsequently will have an effect on

ground access to the airport.


21

- Project 5: Realign and extend Santa Fe Road as a Commercial Collector from

Hoover Avenue to Prado Road including construction of a new bridge at Acacia

Creek and roundabout at Tank Farm Road.

Similarly, the Airport Area Specific Plan recommends several collectors that would

improve local circulation and thus remove that traffic from larger roadways which are

used to access the airport.

- Goal 6.4.4: Establish a system of collector streets that connect arterials and local

streets. As part of that system, extend Santa Fe Road north to the Prado Road

extension and introduce a new collector through the property west of the

Chevron property from Tank Farm Road linking with Sueldo Street.

A final proposed project that is related to ground access to McChesney Field is the

creation of a connector between Tank Farm Road and Buckley Road. The Land Use

and Circulation Element update of the City of San Luis Obispo identified the need to add

a north-south extension of Earthwood Lane south of Suburban Road to the Avila Ranch

project, the extension of Jesperson Road north of Buckley Road to the northern project

limits will contribute to this connectivity. This project is also being considered as a part

of the Avila Ranch Development Plan Application and associated EIR.

- Project 14: Construct a new north-south collector between Tank Farm Road and

Buckley Road in the vicinity of Horizon Lane

Additionally, the SLOCOG 2014 RTP/SCS recommends improvements to 40 foot wide

rural arterials. Price Canyon Road. The County and SLOCOG have been constructing

improvement phases over the past 8 years. The intention of these improvements is to

bring the route to full standard including minimum 8-foot, Class II bike lanes.

2.3 – Airport Wayfinding Signage

The ability for travelers to find their way to the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport

is important. As the county’s only commercial service airport, air travelers typically

access the airport from throughout the county. For the most part, existing wayfinding

signage adequately directs people to the airport. Below is a list of all locations by

directional approach; additional details regarding precise locations and wayfinding sign

makeup can be found in Appendix A – Wayfinding Signage Descriptions.

Approach from southbound US 101

- Southbound US 101 prior to Marsh Street exit ramp (exit 202A)

- Broad Street and Marsh Street intersection


22

Approach from northbound US 101

- Northbound US 101 just south of Los Osos Valley Road

- Northbound US 101 ramp and Los Osos Valley Road intersection

- Eastbound Los Osos Valley Road just west of South Higuera Street intersection

- Northbound South Higuera Street at Tank Farm Road intersection

- Southbound Broad Street/ SR 227 just north of Aero Drive intersection

Approach from northbound SR 227

- Northbound Broad Street/ SR 227 just south of Aero Drive intersection

Approach from US 101 in eastern San Luis Obispo

- Two signs on westbound Monterey Street just east of Santa Rosa Street

intersection

- Westbound Monterey Street just east of Osos Street intersection

- Two signs on southbound Santa Rosa Street just north of Higuera Street

- Westbound on Higuera Street at Garden Street intersection

- Two signs on westbound Higuera Street just east of Broad Street

- Westbound Santa Rosa Street just east of Broad Street

2.4 – Transit Access

Transit access to McChesney Field in San Luis Obispo include: regional fixed-route,

local fixed-route, demand response, shuttles, taxis, vans, transportation network

companies and other modes such as bicycle facilities. In compliance with Policy 11.1.3:

Public Transit Service, as described in the City of San Luis Obispo General Plan

Circulation Element, and the 2014 RTP/SCS Aviation Policies, as mentioned

previously, the various public transit services require special attention when considering

ground access to the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. Specifically, the policy

states that the City shall encourage improved public transit service to the airport as

soon as practical.

2.4.1 – Regional Fixed Route

The regional fixed route bus system is operated by San Luis Obispo Regional Transit

Authority (SLORTA). Route 10 (South County) offers weekday local and express

service which runs via US 101, between San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, Shell Beach, Pismo

Beach, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo and Santa Maria. This route operates

seven days a week with less frequency on Saturdays and Sundays.


23

In addition, Route 10X,

(Orcutt Express), is a

Monday through Friday

express route with stops

that include Morro Bay,

SLO County Government

Center, the airport business

park and the Pismo Outlets.

The Orcutt Express route

offers only two runs in each

direction per day. SLOCOG

staff has advocated several

runs along Broad Street/SR

227 and Price Canyon

Road with a new Route 10

stop at or near the airport

terminal.

2.4.2 – Local Fixed Route

In San Luis Obispo, SLO Transit operates a series of routes that services the

community. Route 1 (recently changed from Route 3 as mentioned in the City of San

Luis Obispo Short Range Transit Plan [SLO SRTP]) serves the southeastern portion of

town, though does not currently service the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.

The SLO SRTP suggests future modifications to existing Route 3, to be named Route 1,

which will greatly simplify the SLO Transit service patterns in the southeastern part of

the service area. Public outreach has shown that people like the idea of service to the

airport. The emerging employment corridor along Broad Street between Tank Farm

Road and Aero Drive in the airport area is to be served in addition to the airport. With a

capacity for over 10,000 employees in this airport area business park in addition to the

services and manufacturing land uses, the Airport Area has the potential for substantial

transit ridership. A full roundtrip on Route 1 will take approximately one hour, and will

travel 10.9 revenue miles. It is anticipated that one bus will provide hourly service along

Route 1. Longer term plans dictate an additional bus will be needed to provide 30

minute service.

The SRTP addresses that in terms of unserved areas, a majority of stakeholders

indicated that service further out along the Broad Street corridor was necessary, serving

the rapidly developing area in this corridor and terminating at the San Luis Obispo

County Regional Airport.

Figure 14 – SLO RTA Route 10 and 10X


24

Figure 15 – SLOSRTP Proposed Routes Map


25

2.4.4 – Shuttles

A variety of shuttles advertise service the airport ranging from hotel shuttles to shuttle

busses. Three hotels from the surrounding area list and advertise a shuttle service to

and from McChesney Field.

- Apple Farm Inn

- Quality Suites Central Coast

- Madonna Inn

Other hotels in relatively close proximity to the airport that do not advertise a shuttle

service to and from the airport include:

- Best Western Plus Royal Oak Hotel

- Hampton Inn and Suites San Luis Obispo

- Embassy Suits by Hilton San Luis Obispo

- Holiday Inn Express San Luis Obispo

- Courtyard San Luis Obispo

- La Cuesta Inn

- Peach Tree Inn

Shuttle bus companies also service the airport through reservation throughout the

region.

- Ride-On Transportation

- SLO Safe Ride

- Smart Shuttle

Ride-On is a non-profit organization serving San Luis Obispo County and is comprised

of the Consolidated Transportation Service Agency (CTSA) and the Transportation

Management Association (TMA). CTSA provides door-to-door services for seniors,

veterans, people with disabilities and social service agencies while TMA provides

services to the general public with vanpools, airport and Amtrak shuttles, Emergency

Ride Home and more.

SLO Safe Ride is a ground transportation operator servicing the Central Coast. SLO

Safe Ride specializes in serving groups of people with the same destination.

Smart shuttle is a division of Ventura Transit established to support an airport shuttle

service to Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.


26

2.4.5 – Transportation Network Companies

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport allows transportation network companies,

such as Uber and Lyft, to serve airline customers and have become a visible and

measurable part of the airport’s ground transportation operations. At a $2.50 charge per

drop-off and per pick up trip, these Transportation network Companies have been

allowed to service the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. These companies are

not allowed to operate out of the airport: queueing outside of the passenger terminal

waiting for unscheduled clients. In other words, it is unacceptable for companies to wait

outside of the terminal (similar to a taxi or shuttle bus) as a means of capturing clients

as they exit the terminal. However, these services do have an impact alleviating some

of overcapacity parking issues associated with McChesney Field. Taxi services are

subject to a different agreement in that they pay a monthly fee dependent on the

number of vehicles in their fleet that will service the airport.

2.4.6 – Other Modes

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is served by north- and southbound Class II

bicycle facilities along either side of Broad Street/SR 227. In addition, a portion of Aero

Drive serves bicyclists with Class II bicycle lanes in either direction. The 2014 RTP/SCS

stipulates that all roadway projects along major regional and rural corridors are planned

to accommodate Class II bike lanes as depicted in Figure 15. Class I bicycle paths and

Class II bicycle lanes within the Avila Ranch area will be constructed, signed and

marked to meet or exceed the minimum standards established by the California

Department of Transportation Highway Design Manual and the City of San Luis Obispo

design standards. The ultimate alignment of some of the Class I bike paths south of

Tank Farm Road will need to be determined as part of the plans to develop the Chevron

property. However, the Airport Area Specific Plan illustrates the following conceptual

alignments:

- Off-street Class I multi-use paths that parallel creeks and riparian corridors

- On-street Class II bicycle lanes on arterial and collector streets

- A combination of off-street paths adjacent to streets and on-street bicycle lanes

The Edna-Price Canyon Trail Feasibility Study analyzed alternative alignments for a

nine-mile Class I multipurpose trail that would provide a vital link between the Coastal

Trail in Pismo Beach and the City of San Luis Obispo. The preferred alignment

traverses the study corridor from Los Ranchos Road and runs along the west side of SR

227 to San Luis Obispo. Currently, there is sufficient clearance on the west side of SR

227 to accommodate the trail without encroaching the San Luis Obispo airport


27

Fig

ure

16

– B

icyc

le T

ran

sp

ort

ati

on

Ne

two

rk i

n S

an

Lu

is O

bis

po


28

right-of-way. Once built, northern segments of the Edna-Price Canyon Trail could

provide convenient bicycle access between McChesney Field and the neighborhoods to

the south on SR 227.

There are discontinuous sidewalks and no existing bicycle facilities along Airport Road.

The speed limit along Airport Road is not posted. There is a proposal to realign Airport

Drive to intersect with SR 227 at Farmhouse Lane, eliminating the current offset

intersection.

2.5 – Private Vehicle Operations

The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport offers opportunities for travelers to drive

themselves to the airport and park in one of the four types of parking lots available.

Revenue collected from parking lot fees generates one of the largest single sources of

income for the airport. In addition, if a visitor to San Luis Obispo wishes to experience

the region with the freedom of driving themselves, SBP offers an array of rental car

services.

2.5.1 – Parking Lots

Four types of long-term parking lots are offered to owners of private vehicles that

choose to drive and park at McChesney Field. As of June 2016, rates for each lot are as

follows:

- Lot 1

o $13.00 per calendar day, or $1.00 per hour

o $8.00 per calendar day for disabled or ADA accessible space parking

- Lot 2

o $13.00 per calendar day, or $1.00 per hour

o $8.00 per calendar day for disabled or ADA accessible space parking

Figure 17 – Parking Lots at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport

Lot Number Price: Daily Price: HourlyPrice: Special

Circumstances

Number of

SpacesNotes

1 $13.00 $1.00$8.00 for disabled

or ADA accessible70

2 $13.00 $1.00$8.00 for disabled

or ADA accessible97

3 $9.00 - - 45

4 $9.00 -

$15.00 Daily:

Oversized vehicle;

$30.00 Daily:

vehicles >30 feet

>200Number of

spaces is not

definitive


29

- Lot 3

o $9.00 per calendar day

- Lot 4

o $9.00 per calendar day

o $15.00 for an oversized vehicle per calendar day

o $30.00 for a vehicle greater than 30 feet long per calendar day

Hourly parking is available in Lots 1 and 2 at a rate of $1.00 per hour for a minimum of

one hour and a 12-hour maximum. There are 70 parking spaces in lot 1.

Lot 2 is the only lot to accommodate short term parking at a rate of $13.00 per calendar

day for a maximum of 3 days. There are 97 parking spaces in Lot 2.

Long term parking is available in Lots 1,3 and 4. The rate for long-term parking in Lot 1

is $13.00 per calendar day and $9.00 per day in Lots 3 and 4. There are 45 parking

spaces in Lot 3 and over 200 parking spaces in Lot 4. The number of parking spaces in

Lot 4 is not definitive as the road base portion of the lot is not marked and the number of

available space in the lot may be reduced during times of construction.

Figure 18 – SBP Parking Lot Diagram


30

Accessible parking is available in Lot 2. The long-term rate is $9.00 per calendar day;

the hourly rate is $1.00 per hour.

Parking for oversized vehicles is available only in Lot 4 for a rate of $15.00 per calendar

day. For vehicles over 30 feet in length, the per day calendar rate is $30.

As reported by San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport officials, the utilization rate of

parking space availability is greater than 75% on a monthly basis averaged throughout

the year.

2.5.2 – Rental Car Services

Four rental car companies operate at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport

located in the adjacent room to the baggage claim:

- Avis

- Hertz

- Budget

- Enterprise

An additional Enterprise office is located 1.7 driving miles north of the SBP terminal

(along Broad Street) which offers additional selection to that of the service run out of the

airport and the option to be picked up or dropped off at the airport if utilizing their

service. A benefit to the services at the airport is extended hours of operation while the

separate Enterprise office has lower rental fares. The new terminal under construction

once completed, will offer existing rental car services larger desk and counter space. In

addition, larger than existing offices will be located directly behind the counter space

rather than in a separate location as is the case in the existing facility. Finally, the rental

car pick-up and drip-off location will be directly adjacent to the new terminal rather than

separated from the terminal by a parking lot.

2.6 – Recommendations

Recommendations are a planning level assessment; costs are currently not associated

with the suggestions. Recommendations to improve ground access to San Luis Obispo

County Regional Airport include:

1. Roadway improvements as indicated by the planned projects

2. Additional wayfinding signage

3. Wayfinding signage consolidation

4. An infrequent alternative local fixed-route transit circuit

5. Expansion of hotel shuttle services


31

6. Formation of an employer’s association with subsidized airport business park

circulation

2.6.1 – Recommendation Explanations

There are currently no airport wayfinding signs directing travelers to the San Luis

Obispo County Regional Airport along South Higuera Street beyond what exists

downtown. Considering the number of hotels located off of Madonna Road, the amount

of residential housing and the large commercial draw to Madonna Road west of US 101,

signage should be placed to allow ease in direction to the airport. The route that these

signs will lead travelers is from eastbound Madonna Road to southbound South Higuera

Street to eastbound Tank Farm Road toward SR 227. A large airport sign with

directional arrow is suggested to be placed on eastbound Madonna Road just west of

South Higuera Street. An alternative is to place a large airport directional sign on South

Higuera Street at an adequate distance to the south of Madonna Road. An additional

large airport sign with a directional arrow is suggested to be located on southbound

South Higuera Street just north of (approximately 200 feet) Tank Farm Road.

A large airport sign with a directional arrow is recommended to be located on eastbound

Tank Farm Road just west of (approximately 200 feet) Broad Street in order to direct

travelers from northbound US 101 and coming from downtown via South Higuera

Street.

An existing city wayfinding sign, directing to “Parking”, “City Hall”, and “Downtown”, is

located approximately 200 feet north of Palm Street on Santa Rosa Street. It is

recommended that the sign be altered to include “Airport” with a directional arrow

towards downtown.

Currently, there are a variety of design types being utilized as airport directional signs.

To avoid confusion for the driving public using the airport wayfinding signs, it is

suggested that one type of sign become standardized. The only exception to the

standardized sign should be the San Luis Obispo city directory signs. Directional arrows

shall remain consistent with existing city and state standards.

Route 1A currently operates on a 45-minute loop, the introduction of an alternating route

would suffice in serving SBP. This route would take up one of every two Route 1A trips

meaning that both Route 1A and hypothetical 1AA would run on a 90 minute headway.

It is suggested that this route modification be brought to stakeholders and SLO Transit

come the next route adjustment opportunity.

Another improvement is the building and completion of the Edna-Price Canyon Trail

from Los Ranchos Road to Tank Farm Road as identified by the Edna-Price Canyon


32

Trail Feasibility Study. This will ensure better pedestrian and bicycle access to and

from the airport.

It is recommended that a study be initiated to determine the potential for grouped

service hotel shuttle. The idea is that a group of hotels within close proximity to one

another run a single shuttle to the airport. Areas to potentially initiate a hotel shuttle

service could include: Cambria, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.

An employer’s association could be created with the purpose of subsidizing a shuttle

service for businesses within the airport business park. The shuttle may begin with a

single, large employer to incorporate additional businesses over time. This shuttle could

serve employees to the airport, downtown for lunch or shopping, to medical services, or

to nearby transit stops. Upon the introduction of businesses beyond the starter,

cooperation is required to coordinate and finance drivers and to ensure proper

scheduling practices. There are a few methods that companies may subsidize the

employer’s shuttle; a small payroll deduction for each employee of each participating

business or begin charging parking fees for all private vehicle parking. There are also

methods that employers could use to incentivize the use of the employer shuttle. One

way is to create a rewards program for using the shuttle over driving a private vehicle. If

employees are required to pay to park, another incentive could be the refunding of

parking fees for employees who utilize the service.


33

Chapter 3 – Paso Robles Municipal Airport

The Paso Robles Municipal Airport (FAA LID: PRB) is owned by the City of Paso

Robles and provides an important service to commercial and recreational flight as the

only commercial airport serving North County. As described in the 2014 RTP/SCS, the

Paso Robles Municipal Airport will continue to have the California Department of

Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as an air attack base. In addition, the California

Highway Patrol (CHP) houses a fixed-wing aircraft, used for speed enforcement, and a

helicopter, used for accident search and rescue. Aviation activity in Paso Robles has

remained stable in recent years. The 2014 RTP/SCS explains that the current economy

has contributed to a slight decrease in general aviation traffic comparable to trends

being experienced elsewhere in the industry; though there remains a notable level of

corporate jet activity in the area. The County’s North County Area Plan has indicated

that public transit currently serves the airport through the Paso Robles Dial-A-Ride

system. Caltrans has an active traffic camera located on US 101 overlooking 24th Street

and SR 46 East. No other traffic cameras are located closer to or overlooking the Airport

Road and SR 46 East intersection.

Figure 19 – Paso Robles Municipal Airport Terminal


34

One of the goals related to the Paso Robles Municipal Airport indicated in the North

County Area Plan specifies to capitalize on the significant transportation facilities

already in place, including US 101, SR 46 East and SR 41, the Union Pacific Railroad

and the Paso Robles Municipal Airport.


The 2014 RTP/SCS describes changes to highway SR 46 East in an area that

encompasses Airport Road. The 2014 RTP/SCS specifies the preparation of a project

design and to complete necessary right-of-way acquisition for the widening of SR 46

East into separated four lane expressway from the Shandon Roadside Rest Stop to the

San Luis Obispo-Kern County line.

SLOCOG’s 2014 RTP/SCS discusses interim improvements at Airport Road as well as

projects which have been completed. One such improvement is addition of a westbound

acceleration lane on SR 46 East. A recently constructed project was the right turn lane

on Airport Road into westbound traffic on SR 46 East.

Caltrans, SLOCOG and the City of Paso Robles are currently undertaking preliminary

engineering and environmental studies to assess new controlled-access immediately

Figure 20 – Paso Robles Municipal Airport Vicinity Map


35

west of Airport Road at Union

Road and SR 46 East. City of

Paso Robles staff has met with

Caltrans to discuss the

potential alternatives to be

analyzed in the draft Project

Study Report (PSR). Six

alternatives were presented by

Hatch MacDonald and include:

1. Alternative 1: No Build –

Alternative 1 maintains the

existing geometry of two-way

stop controlled intersection at

Union and Airport roads.

2. Alternative 2: Signalized

Intersection – Alternative 2

realigns the north and south

legs approximately 250 feet

east of the existing

configuration and provides a

signal. This realignment

provides an intersection with

approaches that are

approximately at right angles

(90 degrees) to each adjacent

leg. This alternative was

determined non-viable in the

approved Project Study Report (April 2014).

3. Alternative 3: Roundabout – Alternative 3 modifies the existing intersection from

a side-street stop to a roundabout controlled intersection in approximately the

same location as the existing intersection. This alternative was also determined

non-viable in the approved Project Study Report.

4. Alternative 4: Overcrossing – Alternative 4 suggests an overcrossing structure

that will be built over the existing SR 46 East / Union Road intersection. The

alternative will not preclude future construction of a full interchange. This

alternative would extend Union Road north to Wisteria Lane and, potentially, to

Airport Road.

Figure 21 – SR 46/Union Road Improvement Alternative 4: Overcrossing


36

5. Alternative 5: Half Clover-Leaf Interchange – Alternative 5 provides a half clover

leaf interchange proposed over the existing SR 46 / Union Road intersection.

This alternative would extend Union Road north to Wisteria Lane and, potentially,

to Airport Road.

The objective of the alternatives is to restrict or remove Union Road access from SR 46

East in generating new north-south access by extending Union Road to Wisteria Lane.

Wisteria Lane could then be extended across the creek connecting with Airport Road.

Upon the completion of alternate routing, the SR 46 East / Airport Road intersection will

be modified to right-in/right-out ingress and egress or closure.

The five alternatives were narrowed down to three and were discussed at a recent

project development meeting (June 2016); a proposed overcrossing, a proposed half

clover-leaf interchange, and an undercrossing with hook ramps. Alternative 1 suggests

an overcrossing of Union Road and limited access to Union Road and Airport road to

SR 46 East to right-in, right-out only. Alternative 2 would include construction of a half

clover-leaf interchange at Union Road and SR 46 East; this improvement would result in

the closure of Airport Road. Alternative 3 would include construction of an

undercrossing to direct Union Road traffic under the existing SR 46 East and the Huer

Huero Creek Bridge. Union Road would be limited to only an on-ramp for eastbound SR

46 East traffic and right-in, right-out ingress and egress movements for westbound

traffic. The results of this meeting were to return to drafting new design layouts for each

alternative.

From the Paso Robles General Plan, the alignment of parallel route(s) shall be studied

by the City, and constructed with development of the land uses north and south of SR

Figure 22 – SR 46/Union Road Improvement Alternative 5: Half Clover-Leave Interchange


37

46 East. Specific recommendations of the State Route (SR 46 E) Parallel Routes Study

include:

- A connection between Airport Road and Golden Hill Road via the Wisteria Lane

corridor, including a bridge over Huer Huero Creek.

- A connection between the northern terminus of Golden Hill Road and the western

terminus of Dry Creek Road, including a bridge over Huer Huero Creek.

- Improvements to the intersection of eastbound SR 46 East and Union Road. The

City shall monitor traffic levels and plan for a grade-separated interchange and

interim improvements as needed. The improvement of this intersection will

require that Union Road be extended north to connect to Airport Road, so that

access to uses in the Airport Area would be provided via the new intersection at

SR 46 East and Union Road.

On August 2, 2016 City of Paso Robles City Council approved the rezoning and

subdivision of 212 acres of land with the purpose of expanding the Golden Hills

Business Park. The land rezoned to allow commercial and industrial uses and was

subdivided with plans for a new road connecting Wisteria Lane to Airport Road. The

connection of this SR 46 East parallel route will provide an alternate route to the Paso

Robles Municipal Airport and will help to alleviate traffic at the Airport Road and SR 46

East intersection.


Wayfinding signage leading to the Paso Robles Municipal Airport is found mostly

directing traffic coming from the south (from Paso Robles) utilizing US 101. These

northbound US 101 signs lead people onto eastbound SR 46 East and then north onto

Airport Road. Locations of wayfinding signage are listed below; more information is

available in Appendix A – Wayfinding Signage Descriptions:

Approach from northbound US 101

- Northbound US 101 prior to the 24th Street/SR 46 East exit ramp (exit 231)

- Northbound US 101 and 24th Street/SR 46 East exit ramp (exit 231)

- Eastbound SR 46 East beyond the Union Road /Paso Robles Boulevard and SR

46 East intersection

- Eastbound SR 46 East just west of Airport Boulevard

Approach from southbound US 101

- Southbound US 101 and 24th Street/SR 46 East exit ramp (exit 231B)


38

Figure 23 – Turning Movement Counts at Airport Road and

SR 46 East (January 2016)

Approach from westbound SR 46 East

- Westbound SR 46 East prior to Airport Road


Recommendations to improve upon ground access for the Paso Robles Municipal

Airport include:

1. New Interchange and/or alternatives at Union Road and SR 46 East as

discussed in proposed projects

2. Northerly road extension and bridge over Huer Huero Creek connecting with

Airport Road as discussed in proposed projects

3. Interim alleviation of congestion and delay at Airport Road and SR 46 East

through channelization and other means

4. Improvements to Airport Road shoulders approaching the Paso Robles Municipal

Airport

5. Additional airport wayfinding signage

These recommendations are a planning-level assessment; costs are currently not

associated with the suggestions

3.3.1 – Recommendation Explanations

There are a variety of access concerns

with the Airport Road and SR 46 East

intersection. Figure 23 shows existing

turning volumes at this intersection. The

large number of vehicles attempting to

make a left turn from eastbound SR 46

East onto Airport Road is constrained

by the large volume of westbound SR

46 East vehicles, potentially causing

issues with delay. Similarly, although

the left-turning volume coming from

southbound Airport Road onto

eastbound SR 46 East is low, there is

no right- or left-turn dedicated turn-lane;

there is a very minor flare, on Airport

Road. Considering the volume of traffic

on SR 46 East in both directions, it is


39

conceivable that one left-turning vehicle can cause a large delay.

Another issue is the difficulty for vehicles making a right turn from Airport Road onto SR

46 East. It is plausible that the large volume of westbound SR 46 East traffic make it

difficult for a sufficient gap for right-turning vehicles to merge. This issue is further

complicated due to the lack of an acceleration lane for merging vehicles. Figure 24

shows an overall acceptable level of service for the intersection as a whole while

vehicles making a left turn at Airport Road experience a much longer delay, both in the

morning and evening, resulting in a worse level of service. Figure 25 shows that in the

future while again the overall movement of the intersection is acceptable, the level of

service for southbound left-turning vehicles from Airport Road onto eastbound SR 46

East is unacceptable.

There are a few key difficulties in regards to access concerns to Airport Road from

eastbound SR 46 East traffic. Although a left-turn pocket that extends 950 feet, often

steady eastbound traffic on SR 46 East limit the number of acceptable gaps in vehicle

traffic to allow for a safe crossing of westbound SR 46 East. Additionally, there is

potentially limited sight distance at the left-turn lane to Airport Road due to the crest of a

hill just to the east. There may be little that can be done to solve this problem short of

some variation of the intersection. The ultimate plan is improved access at Union Road

as previously discussed

Figure 25 – Existing LOS at Airport Road and SR 46 East

Figure 24 – Future LOS at Airport Road and SR 46 East


40

There are numerous difficulties with entering SR 46 East in either direction from Airport

Road, mainly due to vehicle congestion and delay. Especially during late afternoon

hours, beginning in the middle of the afternoon, visitors to the Ravine Water Park create

a spike in roadway demand that bottlenecks at the Airport Road and SR 46 East

intersection. The entrance to the water park is on Airport Road, approximately 600 feet

north of SR 46 East. The congestion is a product of a few limiting factors. The first is

that Airport Road at SR 46 East is a single lane at a side-street, stop-controlled

intersection, only allowing a single vehicle to pass through at a time when SR 46 East

traffic experiences a gap in traffic. Another limiting factor is that the eastern portion of

Airport Road at SR 46 East is bordered by the bridge that eventually crosses Huer

Huero Creek. A third cause for congestion on Airport Road at SR 46 East is the lack of

an acceleration lane for Airport Road traffic merging onto SR 46 East. This lack of an

acceleration lane is due to the limited amount of space on SR 46 East between Airport

Road and the bridge over Huer Huero Creek.

It is recommended that an engineer determine the feasibility of a low-cost restriping

improvement.

Potential interim solutions for merging Airport Road traffic onto SR 46 East include:

- Channelize Airport Road by restriping the intersection to allow left and right

turning lanes onto SR 46 East

- Create, or repaint SR 46 East to include a merge lane

- In planning for special events, condense SR 46 East westbound traffic into one

lane in order to allow vehicles from Airport Road direct access to a lane on SR 46

East

The existing striping at the Airport Road and SR 46 East intersection may include

enough room to consider channelization options. In this case, there is a significant

amount of right-of-way behind the painted shoulder line that, if channelized, would

create a much wider intersection on Airport Road. It is feasible that there will be enough

space once the shoulder has been reduced to generate an additional lane at this

intersection. It is suggested that this space be utilized to separate the southbound

movement on Airport Road into a right-turn lane and a left-turn lane. Considering the

relatively low volume of left-turning vehicles, a lane long enough to queue one or two

left-turning vehicles should suffice. Caltrans has proposed the consultation of

AASHTO’s Highway Design Manual to determine minimum shoulder and turning-lane

widths as it is the standard document for highway design guidelines. It is the likely the

responsibility of the City of Paso Robles to secure funding for this channelization project

as Airport Road is located within the city limits.


41

While it is a potential interim improvement, to be further assessed by a traffic engineer,

the addition of an acceleration lane on westbound SR 46 East from Airport Road was

determined infeasible. This is this is due to an inadequate distance between the

intersection where the acceleration lane would begin and the beginning of the Huer

Huero Bridge. The result is that merging traffic from Airport Road will begin to queue on

the acceleration lane rather than at the intersection itself.

A final interim suggestion to improve the functionality of the SR 46 East/Airport Road

intersection after large events is to file for a permit to close a single westbound lane on

SR 46 East. This lane closure would be intended to allow for easier access from Airport

Road. The purpose of this suggestion is only to alleviate congestion after the conclusion

of large events, such as an air show, and would only account for a temporary

westbound SR 46 East lane closure.

On the approach to the Paso Robles Municipal Airport on northbound Airport Road,

there is an issue with a lack of roadway shoulders beginning at Dry Creek Road. A

roadway resurfacing project caused the surface level of the roadway to rise a few

inches. The pave-out of this project only included the width of the lane; this has created

a drop-off to the roadway shoulder. In several locations, ruts have formed from vehicles

leaving the elevated roadway down into the non-paved shoulder before correcting

course back into the narrow lane. This is especially evident at the intersection of Airport

Road and Dry Creek Road; the radius of the right-turn of the roadway is too narrow for

vehicles to follow, which has generated a deep rut. It is suggested that shoulders be

constructed along this roadway prior to the depths of the ruts become a greater hazard.

In terms of signage, it is recommended that an airport sign be located on southbound

US 101 prior to the 24th Street/ SR 46 East exit at the appropriate distance. The addition

of an airport sign is recommended to be added to the overhead directional sign for SR

46 East (for Fresno and Bakersfield), which is located on the US 101 overpass at 24th

Street and SR 46 East. This sign is visible to eastbound traffic on 24th Street and offers

direction to the airport for travelers coming from downtown Paso Robles.

No airport signs exist along Airport Road, it is suggested that a directional airport sign

(or a wayfinding monument) be located at either the threshold of the airport or prior to

the airport terminal driveway to direct visitors to the terminal.

On eastbound Estrella Road (north of Paso Robles), a directional sign to Airport Road

and Paso Robles is located approximately 375 feet west of the Airport Road/Estrella

Road intersection; it is recommended that a small airport sign be attached to the

existing sign.


42

At the northwest corner of the intersection at Jardine Road and Dry Creek Road there

exists a pictorial directional sign for the Estrella Warbird Museum, an additional small

airport sign should be attached to the existing sign. With the addition of this directional

sign, a new airport directional airport sign will need to be located at the northeastern

corner of the Airport Road and Dry Creek Road intersection prior to the existing stop

sign.


43

Chapter 4 – Oceano County Airport

The Oceano County Airport is a basic utility airport which is most frequently used for

private aviation. The operation of the airport and its environs are subject to FAA

regulations, while long-range planning of the airport and its surrounding land uses is

outlined in the Oceano County Airport Land Use Plan (1976).

As described in the County’s South County Area Plan, the FAA Part 77 regulation, in

part, addresses hazardous interference with air traffic by the height of buildings and

structures, and electronic emissions which could impede aircraft communications and

navigation. The Oceano County Airport Land Use Plan defines compatible land uses

and performance standards for six specific "zones" around the airport. The County’s

San Luis Bay Area Coastal Plan notes that the Oceano County Airport is expected to

remain an airport primarily used for recreational purposes. Expansion of the Oceano

County Airport is limited due to the buildout of surrounding land and its proximity to the

ocean. Expansion would require discussions with surrounding land owners in addition

to cooperation with the California Coastal Commission. Though not a currently Figure 26 – Entrance to the Oceano County Airport


44

operating route, South County Transit (SCT) Route 23 services the airport on a 30-

minute headway.


The Oceano County Airport (FAA LID: L52), as a small general aviation airport, does

not often experience high volume ground access events. As such, the 2014 RTP/SCS

specifies that no significant surface access modifications are anticipated. In addition,

there are no circulation programs addressed to improve airport ground access as noted

in the Oceano Community Plan. The Oceano County Airport does, however, have a list

of internal projects such as the installation of an automated weather system, beacon

tower replacement, the initiation of a Capital Improvements Plan and the widening of the

runway to meet minimum requirements by code. No changes to overall operations are

considered at this time.

Figure 27 – Oceano County Airport Vicinity Map


45


As the Oceano County Airport does not support commercial air service there are a

limited number airport wayfinding signs. Locations of wayfinding signage are listed

below; more information is available in Appendix A – Wayfinding Signage Descriptions:

Northbound from SR 1

- Northbound SR 1 just south of the Pershing Drive intersection

- Southwest corner of Pershing Drive and Railroad Street intersection

- Although currently absent, it appeared as if a sign existed at the northwest corner

of Railroad Street and Air Park Drive

Southbound from SR 1

- Southbound SR 1 just north of the Pershing Drive intersection

4.3 – Pedestrian Facilities

The extension of pedestrian facilities from Pier Avenue to Oceano County Airport is a

project that would improve ground access to the airport. There are a few things to

consider when discussing the addition of pedestrian facilities along Air Park Drive:

1. Oceano County Airport: There are no existing pedestrian facilities on Air Park Drive along Oceano County Airport.

2. Oceano Park: From Pier Avenue, will more people utilize pedestrian facilities to access Oceano Park or the Oceano County Airport?

3. Oceano Memorial Campground: There are no pedestrian facilities on Air Park Drive along the Oceano Memorial Campground.

4. Air Park Drive Bridge crossing the Oceano Lagoon: The existing bridge on Air Park Drive crossing the Oceano Lagoon has built in space for pedestrian facilities on the north side of the roadway. A County Highway Bridge program intended to replace this bridge is still early in preliminary engineering. A new sidewalk should be a part of this improvement project.

5. Existing pedestrian facilities: Pedestrian facilities currently exist between Pier Avenue and approximately 50 feet prior to the Oceano Lagoon bridge on the north side of the roadway. The Oceano Lagoon bridge is built to accommodate pedestrian facilities.

It is recommended that if pedestrian facilities are to be constructed along Air Park Drive,

it should be done so on the north side of the street because all existing pedestrian

facilities are already in place on that side of the street. It is recommended to:

1. Complete sidewalk access from the terminus of the existing sidewalk to the Oceano Lagoon Bridge.


46

2. Construct a sidewalk along Air Park Drive from the Oceano Lagoon Bridge and along Mendel Drive to connect to existing sidewalk facilities at Oceano Park. This configuration would only require a single cross-walk (across Norswing Drive) to access Oceano Park.

3. Install a crosswalk across Air Park Drive just west of Mendel Drive to allow pedestrians from the campground safe access to Oceano Park.

4. Construct a sidewalk to meet minimum (city/county/CA) design standards and ADA requirements between the southern terminus of the Air Park Drive crosswalk to the driveway of the Oceano County Airport.

5. ADA accessible pedestrian facilities are recommended to connect airport facilities to Air Park Drive through or around the existing airport parking lot.


With the exception of installing pedestrian facilities between Pier Avenue and Oceano

County Airport, there are a limited number of recommendations for ground access

improvements at Oceano County Airport. It appears as if one of the airport directional

signs had been removed from its intended location. It is recommended that an airport

directional sign be replaced at the northwest corner of Railroad Street and Air Park

Drive. This recommendation is a planning-level assessment; costs are currently not

associated with the suggestions.

Figure 28 – Pedestrian Facility Recommendations


47

Referenced Documents

Associated Transportation Engineers, Cannon, Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc., RRM Design

Group, Wallace Group. (2015). San Luis Ranch Specific Plan: Preliminary Draft.

City of San Luis Obispo

California Department of Transportation District 5. (2002). State Route 227 Caltrans

Transportation Concept Report: Transportation Planning Fact Sheet State Route

(SR) 227 in San Luis Obispo County. State of California Department of

Transportation.

Caltrans Division of Aeronautics. (2011). California Airport Land Use Planning

Handbook. State of California Department of Transportation.

Caltrans Division of Aeronautics. (2011). California Aviation System Plan. State of

California Department of Transportation.

Cannon, RRM Design Group. (2015). Avila Ranch Development Plan. City of San Luis

Obispo.

City of Paso Robles. (2014). Project Study Report – Project Development Support

(PSR-PDS) to Request Programming for Capital Support On Route 46 in San Luis

Obispo County. City of Paso Robles.

City of Paso Robles Community Development Department and Fehr and Peers. (2012).

Paso Robles General Plan: Circulation Element. City of Paso Robles

City of San Luis Obispo. (2014). City of San Luis Obispo General Plan: Circulation

Element. City of San Luis Obispo.

City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department. (2014). City of San Luis

Obispo: Airport Area Specific Plan. City of San Luis Obispo.

City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department. (2004). Margarita Area

Specific Plan: A Transit-Oriented Development. City of San Luis Obispo.

Coffman Associates, Inc. (2004). Airport Master Plan Update for San Luis Obispo

County Regional Airport. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.

Coffman Associates, Inc. (2008). Airport Master Plan for Oceano Airport. Count of San

Luis Obispo.


48

County of San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department. (2013). North County

Area Plan. Land Use and Circulation Element for the San Luis Obispo County

General Plan.

County of San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department. (2009). San Luis Bay

Area Plan: Coastal. Land Use and Circulation Element for the San Luis Obispo

County General Plan.

County of San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department. (2013). San Luis Obispo


General Plan.

County of San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department. (2013). South County


General Plan.

Digi West, Kimley Horn, Kittleson and Associates, Inc., Quality Counts, Regional

Government Services, Rincon, Wallace Group. (2016). SR 227 Operations

Study: Administrative Draft. San Luis Obispo County of Governments.

Fehr and Peers. (2008). State Route (SR 46 E) Parallel Routes Study. City of Paso

Robles.

Landrum and Brown Team. (2001). Ground Access to Airport Study. State of California

Department of Transportation.

Omni Means. (2016). Prado Road I/C PSR Meeting Record. City of San Luis Obispo.

Pierre Rademaker Design and Rick Engineering. (2014). South Broad Street Corridor

Area Plan. City of San Luis Obispo.

Rick Engineering: Traffic Division. (2016). Paso Vistas Report Traffic Impact Analysis.

Mundee, Ken.

San Luis Obispo County of Governments. (2015). 2014 Regional Transportation Plan/

Sustainable Communities Strategies: Connecting Communities. San Luis Obispo

Council of Governments.

State of California Department of Transportation. (2016) California Transportation Plan

2040: Integrating California’s Transportation Future – Final Review Draft. State of

California Department of Transportation.


49

The Airport Land Use Commission of San Luis Obispo County. (2014). Proposed

Amendment to the Airport Land Use Plan for the San Luis Obispo County Regional

Airport – Working Draft. County of San Luis Obispo.

Urbitran Associates, Inc. (2009). San Luis Obispo Short Range Transit Plan. City of San

Luis Obispo.


A-1

Appendix A – Wayfinding Signage Descriptions

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport

Southbound on US 101 a small airport sign is attached to a larger “Tourist Info” sign

which is located approximately 1,500 feet north of the Marsh Street exit ramp (exit

202A).

Eastbound on Marsh Street, a large sign with a directional arrow is located on the

southwest corner of the Broad Street and Marsh Street intersection.

Northbound on US 101 a small airport sign is attached to a larger “Los Osos Baywood

Park next exit” sign which is located approximately 2,000 feet south of the Los Osos

Valley Road off-ramp (exit 200A).

A large, stand-alone airport sign with a directional arrow is located north of the right-turn

lane of the Los Osos on-ramp at Los Osos Valley Road.

A large, stand-alone airport sign with a directional arrow is located on Los Osos Valley

Road in the south bound direction approximately 200 feet from the intersection at South

Higuera Street and Los Osos Valley Road.

A large, stand-alone airport sign with a directional arrow is located at the southeast

corner of South Higuera Street and Tank Farm Road, adjacent to the right turning lane

of the South Higuera Street.

Along southbound SR 227/ Broad Street, a large airport sign is located approximately

220 feet north of the Aero Drive intersection. In addition, a small airport sign is

conjoined with the Aero Drive street sign.

Northbound on SR 227/ Broad St. to the south of the airport, a large airport sign is

located approximately 520 feet south of the Aero Drive intersection. In addition, a small

airport sign is conjoined with the Aero Drive street sign.

Westbound on Monterey Street, there is a San Luis Obispo city directory sign which,

amongst other destinations, indicates the direction to the airport with a directional arrow

approximately 190 feet from the Santa Rosa Street and Monterey Street intersection.

Approximately 80 feet closer to the Santa Rosa Street and Monterey Street intersection

(approximately 110 feet away from the intersection) stands a large, stand-alone airport

sign with a directional arrow.


A-2

Westbound on Monterey Street, there is a San Luis Obispo city directory sign with the

airport called out and a directional arrow located approximately 200 feet prior to the

Osos Street and Monterey Street intersection.

Traveling southbound on Santa Rosa Street from US 101, a San Luis Obispo city

directory sign indicates the path to the airport with a directional arrow approximately 160

feet from the Santa Rosa Street and Higuera Street intersection. A more standardized

airport sign with directional arrow is located approximately 60 feet after the city sign,

approximately 100 feet from the Santa Rosa Street and Higuera Street intersection.

A large airport sign with a directional arrow is located at the southwest corner of Garden

Street and Higuera Street.

Two large airport signs with directional arrows, one on either side of the street, are

located along Higuera Street approximately 200 feet from the Broad Street and Higuera

Street intersection in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Approaching Broad Street on Santa Rosa Street, a large San Luis Obispo city directory

sign indicates the path to the airport with a directional arrow.

Paso Robles Municipal Airport

On the southbound exist at 24th Street/SR 46 East from US 101, there exists a small

airport sign attached to a larger Fresno/ Bakersfield directional sign.

Northbound on US 101, a sign located approximately 3100 feet prior to the 24th Street/

SR 46 East exit (exit 231) indicates “24th Street” followed by “Airport” below; directing

travelers to take the next right.

Northbound on the US 101 exit ramp to 24th St/ SR 46 East, accompanying a Fresno/

Bakersfield directional sign is a large airport sign located approximately 300 feet prior to

the off ramp and 24th Street/ SR 46 East intersection.

Eastbound on SR 46 East, a small airport sign accompanies a directional sign for “Paso

Robles Youth Corr. Facility next left,” this sign is located approximately 150 feet past the

Union Road/ Paso Robles Boulevard and SR 46 East intersection.

Eastbound on SR 46 East, a small airport sign accompanies a sign for “Airport Road”

and “Paso Robles Youth Correctional Facility,” each adjacent to a directional arrow.

This sign is located approximately 80 feet from the SR 46 East and Airport Road

intersection.


A-3

Westbound on SR 46 East, a small airport sign accompanies a sign notifying “Airport

Road” and “Paso Robles Youth Correctional Facility,” each adjacent to a directional

arrow. This sign is located approximately 350 feet from the Airport Road and SR 46

East intersection.

Oceano County Airport

Northbound on SR 1, an airport sign with a directional arrow is located approximately

200 feet from Pershing Drive intersection.

An airport sign with a directional arrow exists at the southwest corner of Railroad Street

and Pershing Drive.

Absent was a wayfinding sign at the northwest corner of Railroad Street and Air Park

Drive directing traffic to travel down Air Park Dive to access the Oceano County Airport.

It appears as if a directional sign existed at this location at one point in time.

Southbound on SR 1, an airport sign with a directional arrow is located approximately

200 feet north of Pershing Drive intersection.

Figure 29 – Airport Wayfinding Signs Found in San Luis Obispo County


B-1

Appendix B – Project Reference

San Luis Obispo

Project # Project Description

1

Prado Road

Extention West

Extend and widen Prado Rd. as an Arterial street

with 2 lanes in each direction, a center turn

lane/landscaped median, Class II bike lanes,

sidewalks and Class I bike lanes (where feasible)

from US 101 to Madonna.

2

Prado Road

Extention East

Widen and extend Prado Rd. as an

Highway/Regional Route Arterial with 2 lanes in

each direction, a center turn lane/landscaped

median, Class II bike lanes, sidewalks and Class I

bike lanes (where feasible) from US 101 to Broad

Street. ROW Limitations east of Higuera outside of

the MASP area may limit the City’s ability to install

Class I facilities. (See MASP)

3Buckley Road

Extesion

Extend Buckley Road as an Arterial street from

Vachell Lane to Higuera Street. (See AASP)

5

Santa Fe Road

Extension

Realign and Extend Santa Fe Road as a

Commercial Collector from Hoover Avenue to

Prado Road including construction of a new bridge

at Acacia Creek and round-a-bout at Tank Farm

Road. (See AASP)

11

Tank Farm

Road

Widen Tank Farm Road as a Parkway Arterial with

2 lanes in each direction, a center turn

lane/landscaped median, Class II bike lanes,

sidewalks and Class I bike lanes (where feasible)

from Higuera to Broad. (See AASP)

14

Tank Farm to

Buckley

Collector

Construct a new North / South collector between

Tank Farm Road & Buckley Road in the vicinity of

Horizon Lane.

19

Prado Road &

US 101

Interchange

Build full interchange at 101. Development of San

Luis Ranch (Dalidio) Area shall include a

circulation analysis of alternatives to a full access

interchange, an analysis of compact interchange

designs that minimize open space / ag. land

impacts, and an analysis of potential incremental

phasing of the interchange elements.

SLO City General Plan Chapter 2 - Circulation


B-2

San Luis Obispo County Airport Ground Access Plan Ground...San Luis Obispo County Airport Ground...

Documents

Transcript of San Luis Obispo County Airport Ground Access Plan Ground...San Luis Obispo County Airport Ground...