Beginning Monday, June 14, 2010, the Rice Avenue/Santa Clara Avenue bridge over Highway 101 (Ventura Freeway) in Oxnard, will temporarily close its southbound off-ramp due to construction. A week later, starting June 21, the southbound on-ramp at Rice Avenue will also close. Both ramps are scheduled to be closed for approximately six months from June to December 2010. During this time, traffic at Gonzales Road and Rice Avenue may also be impacted as construction in that area continues.
According to Cynthia Daniels, Project Manager for the City of Oxnard, closing the southbound ramps will allow the contractor to raise the elevations of the future ramps in preparation for the bridge construction. “The ramps need to be closed to allow the contractor to work while utilities are relocated, along with city sewer and water lines,” said Daniels. “When the ramps re-open, they will improve traffic flow significantly and meet modern design standards,” she said.
Motorists who need to access Rice Avenue off the 101 freeway are being advised to use the ramps at Oxnard Boulevard, Rose Avenue or Del Norte during this temporary closure. Ramp closure signs will be posted in the area along the freeway and surrounding streets as drivers approach the ramps. Detour signs will also be posted at freeway exits, entrances, and major intersections.
The new Rice Avenue/Santa Clara Avenue overpass will consist of eight lanes--three through lanes in each direction and two southbound left-turn lanes--improved north and southbound on- and off-ramps to Highway 101, and realignments for the east and west sides of East Ventura Boulevard. This will improve access for commercial traffic moving goods to and from the Port of Hueneme, while allowing for a smooth commute for local residents moving between the 101 Freeway and Rice/Santa Clara Avenue.
In addition to improving traffic flow for years to come, the project will provide sidewalks and bike lanes, decorative railings and historic-style light poles on the overcrossing, and new street lighting. A new irrigation system will be installed for water-efficient landscaping. Tourists and local residents can also look forward to public artwork displayed under the freeway overpass.
Funding for the Rice/101 Interchange Improvement Project is provided by: $30,449,000 in Proposition 1B funds (approved by the voters in 2007), $23,300,000 in federal grants, local businesses and property owners contributed $15.8 million to the overall project through an assessment district that was formed in 2001, plus $5,000,000 in “Stimulus” funding. The State of California Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund contributed $838,000 for the cleanup of contamination from a gas station and $808,000 was funded from the Community Development Commission H.E.R.O. Area Bond. The City of Oxnard is also working in conjunction with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
Construction on this project began in February 8, 2010 and will continue until mid-2012. These dates are subject to change. Active construction will occur between 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some occasional night work. During this time, the Rice/101 overpass will remain open, with periodic road closures to allow for the movement of construction materials, vehicles, and personnel.
While construction is in progress, the patience and understanding of local residents, workforce and business owners is greatly appreciated as the City of Oxnard works to address the current and future needs of our city. It is our goal to keep the community informed and updated on projects that may affect the area where residents live, work or play. To aid in this communication, the City of Oxnard will be posting construction signs along the work site, in addition to ongoing project updates on oxnardnews.org.
The Rice Avenue/Santa Clara Avenue Interchange at U.S. Highway 101 (Ventura freeway) Improvement Project is one of many enhancements that the City of Oxnard is working on as it looks forward to 2020 with a clear vision for a better tomorrow. From road improvements that ease traffic congestion, to the development of parks for recreation and leisure, to state-of-the art water reclamation projects, Oxnard is working on exciting innovations and essential improvements to enhance the lives of local residents. While some upcoming projects may create temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits will provide sustainable solutions for Oxnard’s future.
For more information on the Rice Avenue/Santa Clara Avenue Interchange at U.S. Highway 101 (Ventura freeway) Improvement Project, and to read about the latest project updates, please visit oxnardnews.org or call (805) 385-8136.