Construction project begins in Shell Beach to help restore coastal access, repair damaged bluff area

PISMO BEACH, Calif. -- A major construction project to help repair a damaged bluff area at a popular beach in Shell Beach began on Tuesday.

The Ocean Boulevard Improvement project will bring a number of significant improvements to the coastal area along Ocean Boulevard between Morro Avenue and Cuyama Avenue.

When completed, work will provide bluff stabilization, restore the Morro Stairs beach access, and replace the Morro storm drain outfall.

"It's terrific that we're finally at the point where we are going to put the Morro stairs back in," said Pismo Beach mayor Ed Waage. "They've been down for a long time, but now we are finally moving forward. It's a beautiful part of the City of Pismo Beach and Shell Beach, and we are delighted that we are here at this point. People like to walk around in Shell Beach. They like to get down to the beach. The stairs are a big part of being able to have access to the beach. We'll be delighted when we finally finish this project and we reopen up the stairs."

According to the City of Pismo Beach, the Morro Stairs and the storm drain outfall will both be incorporated into the bluff stabilization in order to improve both resistance to wave action and visual appeal.

The City also said work will improve coastal access along Ocean Boulevard by installing a pedestrian walkway between Vista Del Mar and Wawona Avenue.

"It's building a sidewalk, which will go just north of the Chapman estate, all the way to Vista del Mar," said Benjamin Fine, Pismo Beach Public Works Director.

"It's really going to connect one end of the block to the another. It's going to put in new benches, a new telescope, some picnic tables and really help multi-mobile transportation through the corridor."

The project will cost about $7 million with a significant portion paid through Federal Emergency Relief funding.

Construction is expected to take 13 months.

"We've been waiting a long time for this day" said Waage. "We're finally getting started. We will be delighted when we come back here in about a year for the ribbon cutting. We'll welcome everyone at that point and we'll be so excited."