Caltrans Removes Encampment From Highway 101 Near San Luis Obispo

Caltrans announced on February 26 that its crews cleared an encampment site in San Luis Obispo this week, removing debris as part of public safety efforts along the state highway system.

The cleanup took place along U.S. Highway 101 near San Luis Obispo, where tents and scattered materials had been set up along the corridor.

According to Caltrans, crews removed approximately 10 cubic yards of debris from the site. Two individuals who had been staying at the location were impacted by the cleanup and were offered assistance through local social service partners.

Caltrans said the encampment was cleared to help ensure roads remain safe and accessible for drivers, highway crews, and daily commuters by reducing hazards along the corridor.

For the safety of the travelling public, Caltrans crews cleared an encampment site along US 101 near San Luis Obispo, removing 10 cubic yards of debris. The two individuals impacted were offered assistance by our local social service partners. pic.twitter.com/41CcI1M8Yi

— Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) (@CaltransD5) February 26, 2026

Last month, Caltrans reported clearing another encampment along Highway 101 at Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara County.

At that site, crews removed approximately 30 cubic yards of debris. Six individuals were reported to have been impacted and were offered outreach support through local partners.

Caltrans has framed these actions as part of a broader public safety effort along state highways. The department reported that between January 30 and February 5, crews removed 131 encampments across 14 counties in California.

In a social media post, Caltrans said crews cleared approximately 3,000 cubic yards of debris during that period, which is roughly equivalent to 140 garbage trucks.

In 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom launched the State Action for Facilitation on Encampments (SAFE) Task Force to coordinate state and local resources, with a focus on major cities and state rights-of-way.

SAFE’s goals include restoring public spaces while connecting unhoused individuals to housing, health care, and other essential services.

The City of San Luis Obispo follows its own structured process for addressing encampments within city limits, known as the Compassionate Assistance, Mitigation and Prevention (CAMP) Standards.

Under the CAMP framework, staff first assess a reported site before taking action. If removal is deemed necessary, the process typically unfolds over about two weeks:

• Days 1-5: Site review and assessment
• Days 5-9: Notice posting and outreach coordination
• Days 9-14: Cleanup and follow-up