Solvang city leaders have directed staff to begin the relinquishment process with Caltrans, a move that could eventually give the city control of Mission Drive, the congested main corridor running through the heart of the Danish-themed tourist destination.
Mission Drive is part of State Route 246 and is currently owned and operated by Caltrans, meaning many improvements require state approval before the City can act.
The decision came after years of navigating what City Manager Randy Murphy describes as a lengthy approval process for even routine work along the corridor…