The uncertainty of union contract negotiations has delayed the start of repairs on the Norwegian Grade.

The start date was supposed to have been Tues., Sept. 7. The temporary closure of the Norwegian Grade, the area of N. Moorpark Road between Calle Contento and Santa Rosa Road, is now expected to begin Mon., Sept. 20.

The postponement is due to ongoing contract negotiations between the Operating Engineers Union and the contractors associations. The main concern is uncertainty of negotiations and the potential for strikes, picketing, walkouts and lockouts, said Jay Spurgin, city deputy public works director.

The start of the project must wait until both sides have had the opportunity to vote on agreements that have been recently negotiated. Those votes are expected within the next two weeks, and, if successful, the Norwegian Grade project and temporary closure will begin.

Message boards announcing the closure will be posted at the approaches to the Norwegian Grade one week in advance, Spurgin said.

The old road will be recycled to build the new road. The asphalt along the grade will be ground up and mixed with a stabilizing agent, such as concrete, before it’s replaced.

The road is expected to be closed for about 60 days. Moorpark traffic to and from Thousand Oaks will be directed to the 23 Freeway during the closure. Camarillo traffic will be directed to the 101 Freeway.

A new guard rail and drainage improvements are also a part of the planned upgrade. The city will receive $800,000 from a federal safety grant for the guard rails.