Date: Wednesday May 21, 2025
District: 7, Los Angeles and Ventura counties
Contact: Miranda Myers, Miranda.Myers@Dot.ca.gov
Phone: 213.500.5840
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Project to Include New Concrete Barrier, Bicycle Safety Features, and Four Extended Weekend Closures
VENTURA COUNTY — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces construction for the North Fork Matilija Creek Bridge Safety Improvement project on State Route 33 (SR-33) in the Los Padres National Forest.
This critical project addresses the need to widen the roadway and replace the aging rock block wall barrier with a modern concrete barrier, aimed at reducing collision rates and minimizing the severity of run-off-road collisions. The improvements will better serve motorists, bicyclists, and emergency response vehicles in the area.
Key elements of the project include:
- Replacement of more than 400 feet of concrete barrier slab on both northbound and southbound lanes
- Installation of an Inline Terminal System and tubular bicycle railing
- Upgrades to existing guardrail systems
- New roadway striping, signage, and shared roadway bicycle markings
- Addition of flashing beacons to alert drivers
To accelerate construction and reduce long-term impacts, the project will include four 55-hour full weekend roadway closures. Work will be scheduled during the summer low-flow period, helping avoid temporary impacts to local wildlife, including steelhead trout. A temporary scaffold will be built along the rock wall barrier to keep workers off the creek bed, and no construction equipment will access the creek directly. Full weekend roadway closures are expected. Dates will be announced when confirmed.
Anticipated Traffic Impacts:
- Beginning in July, there are four expected extended 55-hour weekend closures
- During full closures, George Wheeler Campgrounds in the Los Padres National Forest will only be accessible from State Route 166.
- Longest detour route is approximately 180 miles (3 hours) from the south
Detours and Map:
A map of the working location, including detours, is below.
Detours will utilize:
- Route 150 (17 miles)
- Route 126 (28 miles)
- Route 5 (52 miles)
- Route 166 (36 miles)
- Route 33 (50 miles).
Caltrans strongly advises travelers to plan ahead, allow extra time, and use alternative routes during construction weekends. The project team is coordinating with local stakeholders to minimize disruptions to businesses, residents, and recreation areas.
All construction activities are subject to change due to weather, equipment availability, and unforeseen circumstances.
For updates on traffic impacts and closure schedules, visit the Caltrans website or follow @CaltransDist7 on X.
Real-time roadway conditions are available at Caltrans QuickMap.