News Release
Ventura County – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) advises State Route 33 (SR-33) remains closed from Matilija Hot Springs Road to the Ozena Fire Station (just south of Lockwood Valley Road) in Los Padres National Forest as we continue to repair extensive storm damage from the winter of 2022/2023.
Approximately 32 miles of highway have been closed since January 10, 2023. Most of the closure may extend into 2024. This section of SR-33 experienced extensive mudslides, rockslides, erosion, and sections of collapsed roadway.
Rock scaling between post miles 5.6 and 11.2 is complete. The contractor continues drainage installation and clean-up in six locations.
At post mile 14.35 the highway is under one-way alternating traffic control with a solar powered signal. The slope will be repaired and a retaining wall will be constructed. AT&T, Southern California Edison, and the Meiners Oak Water District will relocate utility lines to allow reconstruction of the roadway and embankment.
At post mile 16.2 slope repair is underway for a section that was damaged by a summer storm.
Slope and roadway repairs are complete at post miles 17.75 and 18.5 and nearing completion at post mile 17.5. Final paving and striping will be done when other areas of slope repair are also complete.
Repairs to the embankment and roadway at post mile 18.4 continues. A retaining wall will be constructed at post mile 22.48. Slope reconstruction with horizontal wattles (compacted straw rolls for erosion control) is nearly complete at post mile 24.85.
Rock scaling between post miles 23.75 and 27.5 is close to completion. The contractor is still repairing slopes in multiple locations. Retaining walls will be constructed at post miles 24.75 and 25.5.
Clean-up is complete at post miles 43 and 44.11 and slope repair is underway at post mile 52.95.
A total of four retaining walls will be constructed at post miles 14.35, 22.48, 24.78, and 25.55. Workers gathered seeds from native vegetation to replant along damaged slopes to restore natural erosion control. Most of the damaged guardrail along the highway has been replaced. Most of the damaged drainage has been repaired, replaced, or improved.
The estimated total construction cost is $35 million. Please avoid the closed area of SR-33 to allow workers to complete repairs safely.
Watch for updates on “X” at https://twitter.com/CaltransDist7 and for road closure updates at https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ .
