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Council approves environmental clearance for Las Positas/Ventura Boulevard bridge replacement; $6.3M remains unfunded
Summary
The council adopted a mitigated negative declaration for the Las Positas Road–Ventura Boulevard bridge replacement project and heard that roughly $4.85 million in federal grants are secured while about $6.3 million of the estimated $26.9 million total remains to be covered by pending grants or city funds.
The Camarillo City Council adopted a resolution approving a mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring plan for the Las Positas Road–Ventura Boulevard bridge replacement project and advanced final design toward bidding and construction.
City staff said the full replacement of the reinforced-concrete box culvert that carries the Camarillo Hills drainage under Las Positas will improve seismic resilience, maintain traffic during construction via phased building, and will include sidewalks and bike lanes where right-of-way allows.
"Tonight marks a major milestone as the project advances towards final design and construction," said Andrew Grubb, principal civil engineer. The total project cost was estimated at $26.9 million, with roughly $20.5 million allocated for construction, oversight, inspection, testing and a 15% contingency. The city has already secured $4.85 million in federal grants through the office of Congresswoman Julia Brownley and awaits decisions on several other applications, including a $12.5 million Trade Corridor Enhancement Program request and a $15.2 million Highway Bridge Program request.
Staff said the bridge will be cast in place in phases so traffic lanes remain open, with each major phase expected to take six to eight months during dry seasons. The project is designed so traffic can remain open in each direction and the work schedule accounts for a holiday moratorium on construction. The city also expects to receive NEPA clearance from Caltrans this summer.
Council members asked about funding status and why earlier federal grant applications had been unsuccessful. Grubb said debriefs with agencies indicated the city's prior applications were not competitive at a national scale and the city is now focusing on state and other grant sources better aligned to the project.
The council voted unanimously to approve the MND and mitigation monitoring plan and to continue design work; staff expects to return with the final design and a request to bid in summer 2026. Construction is anticipated to start in summer 2027, and the city must obligate certain funding by Sept. 30, 2026 to retain some grant awards.
Why it matters: the bridge is a regional corridor that serves the airport, Port Hueneme and Naval Base Ventura County. Council members noted the project’s importance for freight movement, disaster response and local commute safety. Securing multiple grants reduces the city's direct contribution, but about $6.3 million remains to be identified.
Next steps: design continues (60% complete); staff will finalize permitting, pursue remaining grants, obtain NEPA clearance and return with a request to bid when design is complete.
