OXNARD— The City of Oxnard will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 21, at the future $134.5 million project site, located at the southeast corner of Rice Ave. and Fifth St. State Route 34 in Oxnard. Construction is expected to begin in March 2025 and be completed by 2029.
"THE importance of this project to our City cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety,” Mayor Luis Mc Arthur said.
In cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the County of Ventura, the City will construct a new six-lane bridge on Rice Ave. to grade-separate it from the Fifth St./State Route 34 intersection and Union Pacific railroad crossing.
The improvement will improve commuter safety as motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will no longer cross over the railroad tracks in an intersection designated by the state as the fourth most dangerous crossing. This project will also relieve traffic congestion, reduce vehicle emissions, and stimulate commerce by facilitating access to the Port of Hueneme, which will benefit railroad operations.
“The Rice Avenue intersection has been a priority since I came into the Assembly. Unfortunately, there were far too many accidents and fatalities…
