Relocation of SLO Maintenance Station Set
Caltrans is moving forward with plans to build and operate a new District 5 Maintenance Station and Equipment Shop on approximately 56.5 acres of state-owned land at 4485 Vachell Lane in San Luis Obispo County. The project will develop about 24 acres of the site, located south of Buckley Road, and will include new buildings, parking for staff and visitors, utility upgrades, and other site improvements. The site is near the Octagon Barn.
This phase 1 does not include relocation and construction of a new District 5 office that could follow once funding is secured.
This plan includes constructing new water and sewer utility infrastructure that will connect the facility to the existing City of San Luis Obispo systems. Construction will be completed in phases, allowing for a more efficient buildout that aligns with project scheduling, funding availability, and operational needs. One reason for the move, to decrease flood risk by relocating the Maintenance Station and Equipment Shop facilities outside or above potential flood zones says the EIR on the project.The 2024 EIR also pointed to the fact that the Current facilities are inadequate in size and function and do not meet the
needs for existing staff and equipment and do not meet seismic standards.Construction of the $55.5 million project is expected to begin this fall and be complete in fall 2028. First, the property will need to annexed into the city enabling the agency to hook up to city water.
Once construction is complete and staff have transitioned to the new site, Caltrans will decommission the current Maintenance Station and Equipment Shop at 50 Higuera Street and 66 Madonna Road. Decommissioning will involve removing all equipment, materials, operations, and personnel from those facilities—but will not include the demolition or removal of existing buildings or structures. demolition or removal of existing buildings or structures.