Ground broken for freeway widening project

SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers THE SHOVELING STARTS--Local officials and California Department of Transportation representatives shovel dirt in a ceremony to launch the 23 Freeway widening project. From left to right are Thousand Oaks Mayor Dennis Gillette, Ventura County Supervisor Judy Mikels, Moorpark Councilmember Keith Millhouse and Simi Valley Councilmember Barbra Williamson. The 23 Freeway widening project took another step forward recently when officials and political leaders gathered at Conejo Creek Park North to celebrate the start of construction.

"It's been a long time coming because there were a number of challenges," said Douglas Failing, local director for Caltrans.

The 23 Freeway will be widened from four to six lanes, adding one extra lane in each direction. Noncontinuous 16-foot sound walls from Thousand Oaks Boulevard to an area north of Pederson Road will be built first to shield homes near the freeway. And city bridges will be widened before the new lanes are added to the freeway.

Improvements also include ramp meters, a changeable sign, an additional lane on the northbound 23 to the 101 connector and a closed TV system. Construction will last about four years and cost about $70 million, according to officials. Major or noisy construction will not take place during peak hours or at night, officials said.

Route 23 was adopted into the state highway system in 1933.

"When Congress approved the funds eight years ago, I had put a priority on getting the Highway 23 funds because of the tremendous congestion Simi Valley, Moorpark and Thousand Oaks residents experience at peak hours," Gallegly said. Since then, he said, the extent of peak hours has increased exponentially; he applauded Caltrans and Ventura County officials for their efforts.

Congested and inefficient highways cause headaches for motorists and create environmental and safety hazards; idling in traffic also wastes fuel that could be put to better use, the congressman said.

Thousand Oaks Mayor Dennis Gillette, who's lived in the Conejo Valley since 1963, was glad the work is about to begin.

Ventura County Supervisors Judy Mikels, John Flynn and Linda Parks were also on hand to celebrate the milestone.

"Traffic is going to continue to be a problem," said Mikels, "but if we work regionally we'll all benefit."