Front Page  »  

Paso Robles considering Highway 46 underpass

August 2, 2026

By KAREN VELIE

After more than three decades of discussions, the Paso Robles City Council plans to hire an engineering firm to prepare a feasibility study of several proposed Highway 46 undercrossings near the airport.

“The northeast portion of Paso Robles is expected to play an increasingly important role in the city’s economic development strategy through continued growth of the airport industrial area, aviation-related development, employment uses and supporting commercial services,” according to the city council agenda. “Efficient access between the airport area and the remainder of the city is essential to support future growth, emergency response, goods movement, and overall transportation system performance.”

In an attempt to improve access to the airport area, lessen traffic on Niblick Road, and improve safety on Highway 46 the city has considered both overpasses and underpasses at several locations.

The proposed study is slated to look into the feasibility of constructing an underpass at either Union Road, Airport Road or the Huer Huero Creek crossing at a cost of approxamatly $15 million. The cost of an overpass was estimated at over $150 million.

Wallace Group applied to perform the study for an amount not to
exceed $356,583.

“The study will provide objective technical, environmental, operational, and financial information to assist future decision- making regarding transportation improvements serving the airport area and northeast growth areas of the city,” according to the city council agenda. “Staff successfully negotiated a professional services agreement with Wallace Group.”

On Tuesday, the Paso Robles City Council will vote on  approval of the Wallace Group agreement.

 


Loading...
Subjects:         
Related:


11 Comments

Why am I not surprised that the Paso Robles City Council would consider this project and consider the Wallace Group to do the study. Paso can’t even keep the existing streets paved. Niblick, Oak, Vine are shameful. The city council in Paso Robles rivals TAAG as the very worst examples of small town politics. They should all resign in shame.


9

The assumptions made here about growth around the airport in Paso are based on…nothing!

There is no evidence of large scale growth coming. Good luck predicting the future.

Has anybody noticed how bad the existing commercial property market is…everywhere?!!


5

There’s a big dang University, right here in the county, with a well respected engineering department.


I guarantee there are 20-30 students who would LOVE to solve this problem with fresh ideas and outlooks.


And…it would only cost a case of beer and a few pizza’s.


6

I hope they evaluate using The Boring Company to bore a simple tunnel under 46.


1

I wonder how much was spent to not require an undercrossing study, prior to the encouraged development and obvious growth inducing highway improvements? We could save millions by just building a seismic safe undercrossing where possible at the West end of Union Road and save the plans for others to be constructed, as funds allow others, to the East.


8

How about the city repairing airport road from the water slide to at least Cal Fire, and not throw cold asphalt down to fill the pot holes.


19

How on earth is this scumbag still earning jobs in the county??


12

Please consider signing my petition advocating for the SLO Mayor, City Manager, and City Attorney to resign:


https://www.change.org/sanluisobispoaccountability


17

30+ years of discussions, yep sounds like government at work. What were the other quotes for the study?, The Wallace group stole millions in the south county they should be bared.


41

Correct. The Wallace Group is not an engineering firm. They are a PR and lobbying organization specializing in fleecing local governments.


12
1 2