SR-33 will be closed for 55 hours August 28 through August 31
VENTURA COUNTY – Caltrans announces a 55-hour extended weekend full closure of State Route 33 (SR-33) just north of the city of Ojai, in the Los Padres National Forest for tunnel rehabilitation.
All lanes of SR-33 will be closed in both directions between post mile 18.2 (Wheeler Gorge) and post mile 19.0, just south of Wheeler Gorge campground. The highway will close at 10 pm. on Friday, August 28, and reopen at 5 a.m. Monday, August 31.
SR-33 will be closed to the public, including residents. Only active emergency service vehicles will be permitted. Caltrans urges residents and motorists to plan accordingly and use the suggested detour: SR-126 to I-5 to SR-166 for both directions of traffic.
The work will include reinforcing existing steel panels and removing and patching delaminated concrete for the three tunnels at post miles 18.33, 18.81 and 18.85.
This project will preserve the structural integrity of the tunnels in a safe manner through preventative maintenance. Addressing the current conditions of the structures will avoid more costly rehabilitation or replacement. The total cost for this project is $5.14 million and work is expected to be completed during the winter of 2026/2027.
