Emergency repairs shut down Highway 33 lane following fire

Starting Nov. 1st, the northbound lane of state Route 33 in Ventura County will be temporarily closed for emergency repairs following the Vista Fire on Oct. 24.

The daily lane closures will affect the community of Casitas Springs, between the cities of Ventura and Ojai.

The Vista Fire burned 87 acres and with it, a steep slope alongside the northbound lane of Highway 33 where stormwater runoff debris can pose a safety risk.

Caltrans will be placing temporary concrete barriers along 1,100 feet of the northbound shoulder to control the stormwater runoff debris from the burn area.

Daily lane closures are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The schedule is weather-permitting and could change.

A flagging crew will ensure that northbound and southbound traffic take turns traveling on the one lane that will remain open during this repair. Caltrans urges drivers to allow extra travel time and be cautious when driving through work areas.