State Route 33 Remains Closed North of Ojai
Due to Winter Storm Damage
Los Padres National Forest – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) advises State Route 33 (SR-33) remains closed from Matilija Hot Springs Road to the Ozena Fire Station (just south of Lockwood Valley Road) in Los Padres National Forest to repair extensive storm damage from this past winter.
The closure has been in place since January 10, 2023. Approximately 32 miles of highway will remain closed at least through the summer, possibly longer. This section of SR-33 has experienced extensive mudslides, rockslides, erosion and a section of collapsed roadway.
Excavator compacting slope along State Route 33
View of collapsed roadway on State Route 33
At least three retaining walls (set with steel piles) will be constructed, possibly four. Slopes and embankments are under reconstruction at multiple locations. Some embankments will require Rock Slope Protection built using boulders up to six tons each and many of the boulders will be recycled from the rock slides. Some will include the use of geogrid, a geosynthetic material used to reinforce and stabilize the soil and provide filtration. Some slopes will require installation of elevated cable-mesh drapery systems. All of the guardrail within the closure is being replaced. Drains and culverts have been cleared and are also being replaced.
The project is divided into four sections with four separate contractors. Permits were secured from five different state and federal agencies. The current estimated total construction cost is $35 million. All emergency funding has been secured. Please avoid the closed area of SR-33 to allow workers to complete repairs safely.
A separate section of SR-33 south of the closure at post mile 14.34 also has damaged roadway, slopes and embankments. It is under one-way alternating traffic control with a solar powered signal.
Please watch for updates on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CaltransDist7 and at https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ .
