An essential route for commuters to Moorpark College, construction on Phase 1 of CA Rte. 23 has officially been completed.
On Wed., The California Dept. of Transportation (Caltrans) cut the ceremonial ribbon, announcing the completion of two more lanes on the north and southbound sides of the 23 between Thousand Oaks and Moorpark. During the ceremony, several community leaders were on hand including Thousand Oaks Mayor, Jacqui Irwin.
“Phase one was a major success,” said Irwin. “We are looking forward to free travel on the 23.”
Phase one of the $65 million project was to widen State Route 23 by one lane in both directions in the cities of Thousand Oaks and Moorpark. This part of the project was completed 14 months ahead of schedule with minimal shoulder and guardrail work remaining on the northbound side.
According to Caltrans, these improvements will help to relieve congestion, improve mobility and enhance safety.
“This highway is not only making travel more effective, but safer to travel,” said CHP Capt. Cliff Williams.
Some of the other improvements to the freeway include widening seven pairs of bridges, adding on-ramp meters, constructing almost three miles of soundwalls, installing a new changeable message sign and landscaping with new trees and shrubs.
Since the lanes have been open, students who commute to the college have noticed an improvement.
“Its pretty good,” said Chris Rogers, 18 of Thousand Oaks. “It cuts traffic a lot. Instead of taking 30 min. to get to school, it only takes about 15-20.”
Institutional research for Moorpark College student residency was not available at press time, however, many students commute from Thousand Oaks, and other cities that would require them to travel on the 23.
“[The 23] is the only way to get to school, I think,” said Jake Manus, 24 of Thousand Oaks. “Its pretty important, well very important!”
Phase 2 of the project will be to expand the 23-101 interchange to help improve the flow of traffic between the two freeways. Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy was on hand for the festivities and said how important the improvements will be to the citizens of Ventura County.
“This is a tremendous, tremendous benefit to us as citizens of Ventura County,” said Foy.
