Ventura City Council approves $26.9M bridge replacement at Las Positas Road

Camarillo City Council has taken a significant step forward in improving local infrastructure by approving a resolution for the replacement of the bridge at Las Positas Road and Ventura Boulevard. During the regular meeting on May 28, 2025, the council unanimously adopted the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), marking a crucial milestone in the project’s progression toward final design and construction.

The bridge replacement project aims to address the deteriorating reinforced concrete box culvert that currently conveys the Camarillo Hills drain. The new design will not only replace the existing structure but also incorporate enhancements such as bike lanes and sidewalks, aligning with the city’s capital improvement program. The construction will be phased to minimize traffic disruption, with the first phase expected to take 6 to 8 months during the dry season, followed by a pause for the holiday moratorium.

Funding for the project is estimated at $26.9 million, with $20.5 million allocated for construction and related costs. The city has successfully secured $4.85 million in federal grants and is awaiting results from additional grant applications that could cover the remaining unfunded portion of approximately $6.3 million. The project is seen as vital for improving regional transportation safety and infrastructure resilience, particularly as it serves key access routes to the airport and local military bases.

In addition to the bridge project, the council discussed a joint use agreement for a new affordable housing development aimed at farm workers, which has faced communication challenges with Ventura County since its approval in 2021. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to ensure community awareness and involvement in such significant developments.

As the city moves forward with these projects, the council remains committed to enhancing infrastructure and supporting the local community, with further updates expected as the designs progress and additional funding opportunities are explored.