Paso Robles planning commission backs Niblick Road multimodal safety project, urges council review of traffic and maintenance

The El Paso de Robles City Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend that the City Council approve the Niblick Road complete and sustainable pedestrian and bicycle improvements project and its Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND).

The commission’s recommendation, moved by Commissioner Kogler and seconded by Commissioner Neal, asks the council and staff to consider additional work on corridor traffic capacity, the design character of several proposed features and a preliminary plan for long-term maintenance and associated costs.

The project would construct a 10-foot-wide raised multi‑use path on the north side of Niblick Road from Creston Road to Spring Street (about 1.5 miles), add Class 2 bike lanes where feasible on the south side, upgrade ADA curb ramps and intersections, add signage, lighting and street trees, and include stormwater improvements. City staff said the project is largely funded by an Active Transportation Program grant awarded in 2022 for almost $14 million and includes a city match (staff cited an approximate $3.4 million local contribution in commission discussion).

“Kicking off this phase is intended to create a safer corridor for…