Arroyo Grande Intersection Eyed for Roundabout

City engineers propose traffic circle to address odd intersection layout and community concerns.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:04am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a busy urban intersection at dusk, with blurred streetlights and vehicles creating a warm, atmospheric mood that captures the essence of the transportation planning challenge.The proposed roundabout aims to improve traffic flow and safety at a notoriously congested intersection in Arroyo Grande.Arroyo Grande Today

The busy intersection at Corbett Canyon Road, Huasna Road and Branch Street in Arroyo Grande, California could become a roundabout, according to city officials. The city is in the drafting phase of the potential project, which aims to improve long-term transportation planning in the area through an alternative to a traditional traffic signal.

Why it matters

The intersection's odd layout, with streets coming in from different directions, makes a traditional traffic signal complicated. A roundabout could help improve traffic flow and safety, but the city is carefully evaluating community feedback to address concerns from residents, the school district, and other stakeholders.

The details

City engineer Shannon Sweeney said multiple evaluations were done to ensure the roundabout design would accommodate large trucks and address other community needs. While the project is still being designed, the city plans to hold another public meeting once the design is 60% complete to incorporate feedback. Funding will come from the city's development impact fees.

  • The city is currently in the drafting phase of the potential roundabout project.

The players

Brenda Radtke

A local resident who uses the intersection at least once a day and has some concerns about the proposed roundabout design.

Shannon Sweeney

The Arroyo Grande City Engineer overseeing the roundabout project and evaluating community feedback.

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What they’re saying

“I think it would depend on how it's done structurally. If there's enough room for the trucks to make that left turn, a right turn for that matter, and trying to, you know, not hit the bushes.”

— Brenda Radtke, Local Resident

“We did several evaluations of it. We looked at it from a large truck perspective and did simulations to see if large trucks would fit through there, made sure that there was enough footprint there.”

— Shannon Sweeney, Arroyo Grande City Engineer

What’s next

The city will next have a consultant put together plans and specifications for the proposed roundabout. A community meeting is also planned once the design is 60% complete to gather additional feedback.

The takeaway

The proposed roundabout in Arroyo Grande aims to address the challenges of an oddly configured intersection, but the city is carefully considering community input to ensure the final design meets the needs of residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.