SR-33 Pavement Preservation Project

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is formally initiating studies for a pavement preservation project on State Route 33 (SR-33) between 0.6 mile south of Parkview Drive to 0.1 mile north of Foothill Trail at Post Miles (PM) 6.3 to 13.49, in Ventura County. The purpose of this project is to preserve and extend the service life of the existing pavement, improve multi-modal mobility, ride quality, and safety by providing a better access for bicyclists, pedestrian, and transit users.

The project includes three alternatives:

Build Alternative A1
The Build Alternative A1 scope of work includes upgrading the existing asphalt pavement, curb ramps, traffic signals, crosswalks, as well as upgrading the Metal Beam Guard Rail (MBGR) to Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) at (PM 6.30/13.49). The project also proposes constructing new sidewalks, installing American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Pedestrian Infrastructure, bus pads with shelters, and pedestrian crossings.

Build Alternative A2
The Build Alternative A2 includes the scope of work in Alternative A1 in addition, to reconfiguring travel lanes from Santa Ana Blvd to Larmier Ave (between PM 8.0 & PM 9.1). The travel lanes will be reconfigured from 5 lanes to 3 lanes, with 1 through lane in each direction divided by two-way left turn lane, 8 feet parking and bike lanes at both side of the road. This alternative will also provide a raised median, landscaping, and curb extensions throughout project limit where feasible.

No Build Alternative B
The No-Build Alternative would not have changes made to the existing facility. No action would be taken to improve the existing road condition and the road quality would continue to deteriorate.

A demonstration project will be implemented in the Fall of 2023 in Ventura County on SR-33 (from Larmier Avenue to La Cross Street) within the Oak View community from PM 8.5 to PM 9.1. The proposed project will restripe the existing travel lanes into 1 through lane in each direction of SR-33 between PM 8.5 to PM-9.1. The purpose of the project is to temporarily test the proposed concept of the new lane configuration as part of a larger project. The demonstration project can be modified as needed until the set goals are achieved. The follow-up study will determine impact on traffic, other roadway users, and surrounding businesses. The demonstration project is expected to last for a period of six months.

Based on the current scope, it is anticipated that an Initial Study will be prepared to evaluate the anticipated environmental impacts pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and an Environmental Assessment will be prepared to evaluate the anticipated environmental effects pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Public Outreach

Early and continuing coordination with the general public and public agencies is essential to the environmental and project development process. Agency, tribal consultation, and public participation in this project have been accomplished through various formal and informal methods, including Project Development Team (PDT) meetings and early coordination with relevant stakeholders. Outreach for this project is summarized as follows: 

Multimodal Study March - October 2018

Outreach Advisory Group

An advisory group of approximately a dozen participants convened in advance of the community events held for the Multimodal Study. It included community members, the County District Supervisor and staff, and staff from the County and other key agencies (including Caltrans) to help guide and inform the outreach and study process. Meetings were held at the Oak View Park and Resource Center in Oak View. The group met in March and June 2018.

Multiday Workshop

A multiday workshop was held in July 2018 in which planners, engineers, and designers (including Caltrans representatives) participated in a series of interactive events over the course of several days. The project team set up an open studio workspace at the Oak View Park and Resource Center. Workshop activities included: 

• Site visits with vans, various stops, and walks.
• Design workshop: vision cards, complete streets presentation, and table maps.
• Open Studio with Stakeholder Meetings: County public works and planning, fire and sheriff, Supervisor staff, and drop-in hours open to stakeholders and community members.
• Briefing with Caltrans staff at Los Angeles District Office - July 30, 2018.

Presentation of Preliminary Designs 

On October 10, 2018, members of the project team presented the results of the study to approximately 60 community members at the Oak View Park and Resource Center in Oak View. 

The SR-33 Multimodal Study can be accessed here: https://vcportal.ventura.org/BOS/District1/docs/Hwy_33_Multimodal_Study_.pdf

Scoping Outreach February - April 2023

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) defines scoping as an early and open process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed and for identifying the significant issues related to a proposed action. Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), scoping is designed to examine a proposed project early in the environmental analysis/review process and is intended to identify the range of issues pertinent to the proposed project and feasible alternatives or mitigation measures to avoid potentially significant environmental effects.

Notice of Initiation of Studies

A Notice of Initiation of Studies letter was sent to relevant public agencies, organizations, elected officials, Native American tribal contacts, and other interested individuals on February 27, 2023, as part of the scoping process. Approximately 1,800 property owners within the project area were notified by mail as part of the outreach. The letter provided notice of a Scoping Meeting and opportunity to comment on the proposed project. Newspaper ads were also published in La Opinion, OV News, and VC Star. A News Release was posted on March 6, 2023 to various media outlets and posted to the Caltrans District 7 Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) accounts. Comments were accepted until April 12, 2023.

Scoping Meeting

A public meeting was held on March 16, 2023, at Oak View Park and Resource Center from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The format of the scoping meeting consisted of an open house with displays, a PowerPoint presentation, and a breakout session with Caltrans specialists. The public meeting also included an online webinar.

Future Outreach Efforts

Further outreach shall be conducted through the circulation of the draft environmental document with elected officials, governmental agencies, local stakeholders, and other interested and potentially affected parties. Ongoing public outreach will also continue in future phases of the project, including the Design and Construction phases. A public meeting will be scheduled to provide the public another chance to comment on the proposed project, including the ongoing demonstration project.

For any questions, please contact GoOakview@dot.ca.gov.

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