Construction Updates (Public Works Projects)

October 21, 2025 - The downtown parking lot (Corner of Signal St and Matilija St) is open and ready for business! The next phase of the project involves grinding the nearby lot (Plaza Parking Lot), and work has started this week. This phase may have a quicker turn around since it only requires a grind and not a full removal of the existing asphalt.

Barring any weather delays, we expect this lot (Plaza Parking Lot) to be reopened before the Thanksgiving Holiday, which is crucial for the busy shopping season for local merchants.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

October 7, 2025 - The City’s Parking Lot Project continues to move forward! This past week (10/6) four new Catalina Cherry trees have been planted in the four tree wells, bringing shade and greenery to the downtown area.

As of this week (10/13), paving will be completed and striping for the parking stalls will begin. We’re hopeful the parking lot will be reopened by the end of this week—just in time for Ojai Day! 

Looking ahead, work will begin on the Arcade Parking Lot the following week, which will require that lot to be temporarily closed during construction.

Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to enhance parking and beautify our downtown!

September 24, 2025 - On Monday, September 22, work began on the long-awaited parking lot paving project at the corner of Signal and Matilija Street. This project will improve accessibility, meet ADA standards and enhance the downtown experience for residents and visitors.

To meet ADA design requirements, the lot must be realigned, which required the removal of four trees. None of these were protected oaks or sycamores. The large sycamore in the center of the lot is being carefully preserved, and crews are taking extra steps to ensure its health during the construction process.

As a proud Tree City USA, Ojai remains committed to protecting and enhancing our urban forest. Once construction is complete, new native trees will be planted to replace those removed, helping to restore the canopy and support the City’s long-term sustainability and beauty.

Temporary closures and detours continue to be in effect during construction. Please plan ahead and stay tuned for updates as the project progresses.

September 11, 2025 - Downtown Parking Lots Rehabilitation Project

The City of Ojai is excited to announce paving improvements to two of our downtown parking lots! To enhance safety for pedestrians and provide for a better parking experience, both lots will be rehabilitated and newly paved. These upgrades will benefit the businesses in the Arcade Plaza and all who enjoy our vibrant downtown area.

 Project Begins: End of September

Estimated Completion: Early December (before the holidays)

Parking Lots Affected:

• Downtown parking lot located at the corner of Signal Street & Matilija Street 
• Arcade parking lot located East of the downtown parking lot 

To minimize disruption, construction will take place one parking lot at a time. Access to these parking lots will be limited during construction or likely closed. Advanced notices will be posted on social media, the City website, and via flyers to Arcade Plaza businesses. Furthermore, USPS has temporarily relocated the blue mailbox from the Downtown parking lot to the sidewalk in front of Wells Fargo Bank on Matilija St.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to make downtown parking more pleasant, more convenient, and better for everyone. These improvements are an investment in our community and local businesses—thank you for your support! 

 Please check back here frequently for up-to-date information on the project.

May 8, 2025 - Work for May 8, 2025 through May 14, 2025

5/8 - Slurry will be placed on the following streets: Boardman Road, Fox Street (between Topa Topa Street and Ojai Avenue), S. Montgomery Street and Creek Road intersection, S. Signal Street, S. Blanche Street, Mallory Way, N. Montgomery Street.

5/9 - Slurry will be placed on the following streets: Aliso Street and Fox Street (between Topa Topa Street and bike trail).

5/13 - Slurry will be placed on the following streets: Golden West Avenue (southbound lane), Park Road (southbound lane), and Drown Avenue (southbound lane). 

5/14 - Slurry will be placed on the following streets: Golden West Avenue (northbound lane), Park Road (northbound lane), and Drown Avenue (northbound lane).

May 1, 2025 - Work for the week of May 5.

5/5 - Pavement work on Aliso Street between Foothill Road and Waite Street. Road closed. Traffic detours posted. Intersections of Canada, Ventura, and Signal are open to cross traffic. 

5/5  - Pavement work on Park Road. Road closed one half at a time. Traffic detours posted.

5/6 - Pavement work on Golden West and Drown. Roads closed one half at a time. Traffic detours posted.

5/6 - Pavement work on Matilija Street between Foothill Road and Ventura Street. Road closed. Traffic detours posted. The intersection of Rincon will be closed. Remaining open to cross traffic. 

5/7 - Minimal work. No road closures. 

5/8 - Slurry seal work on Mallory Way, Blanche Street between Ojai Avenue and the bike trail, S. Signal Street between the bike trail and Santa Ana, Fox Street between Ojai Avenue and Topa Topa, Montgomery between Buena Vista and Grand Avenue, intersection of Montgomery and Ventura Street, and Boardman Road.

5/9 - Slurry seal work on Fox Street between Topa Topa and the bike trail. Road closed. Traffic detours posted. 

5/9 - Slurry seal work on Aliso Street between Foothill Road and Waite Street. Road closed. Traffic detours posted. Intersections fo Canada, Ventura, and Signal are open to cross traffic.

April 22, 2025 - Beginning the week of April 28, our paving contractor will be performing utility adjustments and crack seal work. Here is a quick look ahead for the week:

4/28 - Utility adjustments on Matilija St and Canada St; There will be minor traffic control on these streets, but no full closures.

4/29 - Utility adjustments on Signal St; There will be minor traffic control on these streets, but no full closures. 

4/30 - Utility adjustments on Bryant Stand Fairway Ln; There will be minor traffic control on these streets, but no full closures.

5/1 - Minimal activity if the contractor needs to come back to finish the work listed above.

5/2 - Minimal activity if the contractor needs to come back to finish the work listed above.

April 17, 2025 - Paving continues through the month of mid-May. Here is the link to the road closures/detours: ASPHALT PAVING SCHEDULE

4/21 – Paving on Grand Ave (Drown Ave to Mercer Ave) – Paving on Grand Ave will be a continuation of the paving that started on 4/17. Paving will be completed after today.

4/22 – Paving on Sunset Place (Mountain View to Grandview); This street will require a full closure. Pleasant Ave and Sunset Place intersection will be open for West and East bound traffic.  Residents are encouraged to avoid the need for multiple trips to and from their homes.  However, if a need arises to leave your house with your vehicle, please let the construction contractor know and they can guide you out.  Please follow their instructions.

 4/22 – Paving on Drown Ave (Grandview Ave to Pleasant Ave) – This street will require a full closure. Please adhere to the 'No Parking’ signs posted. Please plan accordingly and park away from Drown Ave. If you stay home you will not be allowed to leave your driveway until the pavement cools. Paving will be performed from 7am to 5pm; the street will reopen after paving has completed. Residents are encouraged to avoid the need for multiple trips to and from their homes.  However, if a need arises to leave your house with your vehicle, please let the construction contractor know and they can guide you out.  Please follow their instructions.

 4/23 – Paving on Cuyama (East of Del Norte) – This street will require one lane to be closed at a time. There will be flaggers directing traffic. 

 4/23 – Paving on Fairway Lane (Highway 150 to the Cul-de-sac) - This street will require a full closure. Please adhere to the 'No Parking’ signs posted. Please plan accordingly and park away from Fairway Lane. If you stay home you will not be allowed to leave your driveway until the pavement cools. Paving will be performed from 7am to 5pm; the street will reopen after paving has completed.

 4/24 – No paving work anticipated.  If an issue arises earlier in the week, paving may occur this day.

 4/25 – No paving work anticipated.

 As a reminder, please do not remove ‘NO PARKING’ signs and do not relocate the orange delineators (cones).

April 14, 2025 - The City’s paving project is currently underway. Some streets, such as Vallerio Avenue, have already been completed, while others, like Del Norte Road, are scheduled for completion this week. Before paving can take place, the streets must first undergo grinding. During this process, certain streets will remain partially open with traffic control in place, allowing one side to be used for travel; however, "No Parking" signs will be posted in advance. Other streets will require a full closure, meaning no travel or parking will be permitted. "No Parking" signs will be posted ahead of the scheduled work dates (refer to the attached schedule for details). All work is planned to continue through April, weather permitting.

March 25, 2025 - The wait is over – our 2024 paving project is officially getting started! This much-needed upgrade will improve road quality, increase safety, and ensure smoother travel for everyone. Over the next few weeks, expect to see construction crews working hard to pave roads.

Project Details:

Link to list of streets included in this round of paving: 2024 Street Paving Map

3 Week Look Ahead Schedule: Paving Schedule

Timeline (Start & End): March – April 

Impact: Temporary road closures or detours, but we’re working hard to minimize disruptions!

We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work towards making the City of Ojai an even better place to live. 

Stay tuned for updates and follow us for real-time info on closures and detours!
 

January 16, 2025 - As part of our Citywide 2024 Paving Project, the existing delivery driveway behind Rainbow Bridge Natural Food will be demolished and replaced starting Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The work is anticipated to take 2 weeks to complete. During that time, the sidewalk around the work area will be closed to pedestrians. Pedestrians will need to cross ahead of the work area at Signal on the West and at the mid-block crosswalk just East of the Construction site and use the sidewalk on the North side of Matilija Street as shown in the graphic linked below. Traffic will be allowed through the area on Matilija Street. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we complete this important project. 

Matilija Street Driveway Replacement

November 4, 2024 - The City's 2024 street paving project is anticipated to begin mid-November. The work will include curb ramp demolition and installation and will include street paving. The exact dates are to be determined shortly; however, the City will be providing a three-week schedule to inform residents which streets will be paved and where. Traffic control and road closures will occur throughout the project; however, detours and flaggers will be in place during construction. Please see the attached map of streets included in this project below. If you have any questions, please reach out the project construction manager, Jon Turner with Phoenix Civil Engineering, at 805-518-2992 or at ojaipaving@phoenixcivil.com. We appreciate your patience while we maintain our road infrastructure.

2024 Street Paving Map

August 23, 2024 – The 2024 pavement rehabilitation project is underway. Staff will present the Council recommendations to award the construction at the August 27 Council meeting. To view the streets included in the 2024 project, please see the link below. Construction has not begun for this project, please check back frequently to stay up to date with all construction schedules and traffic notifications.

July 1, 2024 - The City is working on completing the plans and specs to go out to bid for the 2024 Annual Citywide Pavement Rehabilitation project. Staff anticipates taking an item to the Council to recommend awarding the lowest responsive, responsible bidder a construction contract at the August 27, 2024, Council meeting.

April 2, 2025 - ATP Phase I, COMPLETED

March 25, 2025 - We’re thrilled to announce that our Active Transportation Project is nearing completion! This project has significantly expanded bike and pedestrian facilities along State Highway 33 making it safer and more accessible for everyone to travel. 

 What’s New:

• Dedicated bike lanes 
• New pedestrian walkways 

Thanks to your patience and support, we’re one step closer to making our community more connected and safer!Stay tuned for the finished product and get ready to explore State Highway 33 in a whole new way!

December 3, 2024 - The project continues to progress. Over the last couple months contractors have been constructing the new bicycle and pedestrian walk way on the South side of Maricopa Highway 33 near Nordhoff High School. Construction within the next couple weeks will impact pedestrian and motor vehicle travel. The following areas will be impacted: 

• Vallerio Ave and Maricopa Highway
  • Intersection/Curb Ramp to be closed from 12/9/24 through 1/13/25
  • No pedestrian access will through this intersection will be allowed during construction. For your safety, a proposed vehicle and pedestrian is shown below: 

• Left Turn Lane on Maricopa Highway 33
  • Left Turn Lane will be closed from 12/11/24 through 12/27/24
  • The highlighted northwest bound turn lane will require a full closure to motor vehicles. No access through this turn lane will be allowed during construction. Please see the vehicle detour plan below: 

September 30, 2024 - The City of Ojai has contracted with Granite Construction Company for the Pedestrian and Bike Safety Improvements Project: Maricopa Hwy (SR-33). Major work activities will occur in September 2024 through January 2025, during work days (Monday to Friday) between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The contractor will work to maintain traffic control and minimize any road/driveway closures to the extent feasible.

The contractor will be working on the highlighted turn pocket on Wednesday, October 2nd from 7am-4pm, requiring a full closure during this duration of time. Please observe all traffic control signs for your safety, at all times (please click here to see the affected area).

Please note, construction durations may be impacted by adverse weather conditions or unknown subsurface/field conditions. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

September 20, 2024 - The Active Transportation Project on Maricopa Highway 33 has begun. Please be aware that you will see our contractor, Granite Construction, out on Highway 33 beginning Friday, September 20. Sign boards have been placed along the highway notifying drivers that road work is ahead. Construction crews will be removing rapid flashing beacons in preparation for work on the median; the rapid flashing beacons will be reinstalled. Starting the week of September 23, Granite Construction will be working on the median and excavation will take place.

Please keep in mind that the attached notice (please click here) was delivered to businesses on September 16. If you have any questions, please reach out to the contacts listed in the letter. Please know we will keep the community updated as much as possible as we understand these projects will have impacted your daily commute. Please be vigilant when you are commuting through this area. We appreciate your patience and understanding. For ongoing updates please check back here.

August 23, 2024 – The Active Transportation Project on Maricopa Highway continues to move forward. Public Works staff is working with the construction manager and contractor to get a tentative schedule and start date. Construction has not begun for this project, we anticipate mobilization of construction materials to begin September.

July 1, 2024 - At the June 25 City Council meeting, Council awarded the construction contract and construction management services agreement for the Active Transportation Program – Maricopa Highway 33 (“ATP Phase I”). The program originates from a competitive federal grant program intended to construct public projects that may provide safe and connected active transportation facilities. The ATP Phase I project will help improve safety, efficiency, and improve connectivity between active transportation modes and public transportation. 

ATP Phase I includes the addition of two-way, Class I bike facilities on the south side of the road, and Class II bike facilities on the north side of the road. Additional scope includes the construction of Americans with Disability Act (“ADA”) accessible curb ramp improvements and the installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (“RRFB”) at intersections. The limits of the project improvements are from El Roblar Drive to Ojai Avenue (“SR-150”).

Residents will begin to see mobilization of construction materials and workers beginning mid summer of this year. Residents may experience some traffic delays during this period. To keep up-to-date with ATP Phase I, please visit  https://ojai.ca.gov/544/Construction-Updates-Public-Works-Projec. Updates will be posted weekly beginning mid summer of this year.

November 4, 2024 - The City of Ojai Public Works Department will soon begin construction on the upcoming Topa Topa Drive Storm Drain Rehabilitation Project. This project will take place on the existing storm drain pipeline located between Ojai Avenue and West Topa Topa Drive. The construction will be performed by GRBCON, Inc., and is anticipated to take approximately two weeks. It will involve installation of a pipe liner to rehabilitate a failed storm drain. There will not be any excavation in the area.

For more information, please see the attached flyer below. If you have any questions, please reach out to the project construction manager, Jon Turner with Phoenix Civil Engineering, at 805-518-2992. The City is committed to doing all they can to minimize disruption to residents and businesses during the construction phase. 

Notice for Topa Topa Drive Storm Drain Repair

Starting in October 2024 and extending through June 2025, the City of Ojai will be conducting a drainage system inventory in various locations throughout the City. Starting on October 18, 2024, the City's hired consultant, Kasraie Consulting, will be inspecting the City's drainage system starting on the West end of town.

This project is part of the City's commitment to maintaining the Storm Drain System infrastructure. This project will improve and maintain the quality of the roadway and ensure that the City's local drainage system network continues to meet the current and future needs of the community.

The work will be performed Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM. During this project, you may see them out and around town. 

For more information please click here.

October 23, 2024 – The City of Ojai will be completing a Historic Preservation project and painting the downtown 'Ojai Arcade'. This work will help restore and preserve our beautiful Arcade and downtown area. The work will commence on November 4, 2024, and is expected to conclude on November 15, 2024. The hours of operation will be from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

• What to expect: Access to the stores will not be interrupted; however, there may be impacts to entryways and walkways (no longer than 15 minutes) from time to time throughout the project. Project information will be posted by the City at each entrance of the Arcade. Painters will be utilizing ladders and a scissor lift throughout the duration of the project. Pedestrian access will be allowed at all times with some minor delays in narrow walkways. Additionally, parking on Ojai Avenue in front of the Arcade will be unavailable during painting. 
• What you will see: On the first day you will see gentle washing of the exterior surfaces and then masking of protected items which includes; storefronts, lighting, plaques, benches, electrical fixtures, and signs. Painting will begin once all masking has been completed. Cones will be set around working areas to provide proper safety and guidance for pedestrians. The painting will begin from the East in front of Bonnie Lu's and end at the West in front of the Pharmacy. 

September 4 - Get ready Ojai! The City of Ojai Public Works team is working with expediency to open the new courts at Soule Park. With courts near completion, we encourage the community to obtain your Annual County Parks Parking Pass. Please visit the County of Ventura Parks website at https://www.ventura.org/parks-department/annual-pass/ to obtain your pass.

The pickleball court project continues to move forward. The court color product will be applied this week. The last task will be to place the nets at the courts and install the benches and umbrellas for shade.  The courts are scheduled to be open mid to late September. 

August 23, 2024 – The pickleball court project continues to move forward.  Last week and this week, the internal fence materials were installed.  Work was completed on re-routing irrigation controllers around the court exterior and preparation for the application of the initial court surface coating should begin in the next couple of weeks. Shortly after that, the court color product will be applied.  Concurrent with the application of the court surfacing and color application, the entry sidewalk will be completed.  The last task will be to place the nets at the courts and install the benches.  The courts are scheduled to be open mid to late September. 

July 16, 2024 - Concrete has been poured at the site and will have to dry for about 28 days. There may not be much activity at the site for this period that the concrete has to sit and dry. 

July 1, 2024 - The new City Pickleball and Paddle Tennis Courts at Soule Park are currently underway!  We’re very excited to begin play on 5 pickleball courts, 2 paddle tennis courts and one shared court (dual striped for both games) as the facility gets a major facelift and makeover. 

Construction began in June and we expect construction to continue into August with play to begin sometime later in August.  Regular construction updates can be found at https://ojai.ca.gov/544/Construction-Updates-Public-Works-Projec.  As the opening date for play approaches we will also link to the County’s site where parking passes can be purchased.

The initial demolition of the existing courts has been completed.  After working with the County of Ventura Parks Department staff, the existing irrigation system was modified to be located outside of the proposed court locations.  The new court extension areas are under construction this week.  The subgrade was verified, aggregate base placed and reinforcing steel is being installed.  The new perimeter fence posts were installed last Friday and the concrete is curing on the footings.  Concrete for the new courts will be placed next week. During the court cure time, the internal fence posts will be installed and the existing surface prepared.

 For updates or additional information, please contact the Public Works Department at (805) 646-5581, ext. 200.

The City of Ojai will be constructing a new Trolley Stop Shelter in front of Bank of America. The shelter will be beneficial to sheltering riders from the elements. Residents can expect the site to be under construction beginning March 18, 2024. Residents will see a temporary fence constructed to contain the construction. 

Contractor, McLeod Construction, will be conducting construction and installing the Trolley shelter. However, if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to project manager, Joseph Padilla, at 805-722-7239 or joseph.padilla@ojai.ca.gov. 

March 18, 2024 - Temporary fencing will be installed around the construction site. Demolition of the concrete will occur in order to lay the foundation for the trolley shelter.

April 21, 2025 - Street Tree Planting, COMPLETED

March 11, 2025 -  The City of Ojai, Public Works Department, will be working with local organizations to plant trees in the Topa Topa Neighborhood. The trees will only be planted in the public right-of-way, specifically on Mercer Ave. and Ayers Ave. Species of trees include Lagerstroemia 'Dynamite' and 'Natchez' (Crepe Myrtle), Arbutus unedo 'Compacta' (Dwarf Strawberry), Cercis canadensis (Forest Pansy Redbud), Quercus Iobata (Valley Oak), and Quercus tomentella (Island Oak). There are many benefits to this effort, including: increasing our community forest, maintaining a balanced tree population, planting in the public right-of-way, and beautifying our existing communities. 

The City is working with local companies, The C.R.E.W., Myers Equipment, and Jan C. Scow Consulting Arborist.

Tree planting operations will include tree well digging, tree planting, root barrier, support stake and tie installations, and watering. Temporary no parking signs will be placed 72 hours in advance of hole digging and planting areas. An 811 DigAlert will commence prior to digging. If you have any questions, please contact the project manager, Joseph Padilla, at (805) 722-7239 or joseph.padilla@ojai.ca.gov.

Please click on the street tree planting map for a complete listing of where and what types of trees will be planted. Street Tree Planting Map

Start Date: March 17, 2025

End Date: March 28, 2025