Paso Robles public works outlines Creston Road progress, Sherwood waterline and upcoming Niblick improvements

Paso Robles public works staff told the City Council on Aug. 5 that several major capital projects are active or nearing completion, including an almost-complete waterline replacement in the Sherwood neighborhood and the final pavement lift for Creston Road Phase 1.

In a monthly capital projects presentation, project manager Ditas (Adidas) Esperanza summarized progress across the city’s construction portfolio. “The waterline is almost complete, so we will follow that up with the neighborhood road repairs,” she said, noting the Sherwood neighborhood work is funded by Measure E12. She also described final paving and signal pole work on Creston Road Phase 1 and said the contractor has placed a temporary striping pattern to keep traffic safe until the second and final paving lift is applied.

The report listed additional projects in construction or design: a training tower at the Union Road fire station (Measure J20); Sherwood Park upgrades including pickleball courts and new parking; pedestrian improvements and curb ramps near the Flamsen (junior high) school, funded in part by a SLOCOG Safe Routes to School grant; the Twelfth Street parking lot and a nearby Marv’s Pizza parking project funded by TOT/sales-tax receipts; annual street restriping funded by gas tax; and trail repairs paid by Measure I24.

Looking ahead, Esperanza said the city will begin Creston Road Phase 2 but warned the work will be more complex and staged. “We have prepared a seven-stage construction to do this project,” she said, adding that Rolling Hills will be closed at times to facilitate staging while the mainline of Creston remains open. She also addressed why sidewalk work did not reach two properties adjacent to Nick’s Barber Shop: the city had not been able to secure the necessary right-of-way from private owners.

Council members asked operational questions: Councilman Strong asked about travel-lane striping and whether single-lane patterns observed during construction are temporary; Esperanza confirmed single-lane configurations are temporary until final overlay and striping. Councilmember Gregory asked about weekly project updates; staff said weekly reports are issued via the city manager’s CMO update and that the city would strive to post individual project reports on the website.

The presentation concluded with a reminder about an open-house workshop on proposed Niblick Road corridor enhancements — a multipurpose bike and pedestrian path funded by a grant — scheduled for Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m.

The update did not include formal council action; staff said it would return with project-specific approvals if needed.