VC Star
October 17, 2022
The Ventura County Public Works Agency is hosting a public forum in El Rio Thursday to discuss a planned project to add sidewalks and other improvements in the unincorporated community.
The roads and transportation department will present an overview of the project, which is still in its design phase, and discuss the construction that is expected to impact about 200 properties.
The bilingual meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Rio Del Valle Middle School auditorium.
“This is an outstanding project for the El Rio community,” said Chris Kurgan, department director. “We’re looking forward to making these improvements.”
In 2020, over 100 El Rio residents responded to a survey asking for input on projects they’d like to see in the community. Kurgan said building sidewalks and improving drainage were at the top of the list.
The project will add sidewalk upgrades along Walnut Drive and Cortez and Stroube streets that comply with the American with Disabilities Act and flashing beacons at crosswalks.
Improvements to drainage in the area and mailbox replacement are also part of the project. About 2 miles of bike lanes will be added between Rose and Vineyard avenues.
Because the improvements will require work to take place on private property, homeowners will need to sign a right-of-way permit, Kurgan said. The permits will be discussed at the meeting.
About $6.2 million of the nearly $7 million project is funded by the state’s Active Transportation Program. The remaining costs will be covered by the county. Construction is expected to begin in May 2024 and last four to six months, Kurgan said.
The county is creating a transportation plan to act as a roadmap for future pedestrian and cycling improvements in unincorporated communities. To suggest a project or fill out a survey, visit atplan.vcpublicworks.org.
Brian J. Varela covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be reached at brian.varela@vcstar.com or 805-477-8014. You can also find him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.