Caltrans is planning two meetings in the Santa Clara River Valley to consider improvements to Highway 126, a longstanding and controversial plan for Santa Paula and Fillmore area residents but work that Caltrans claims will enhance safety.

Caltrans plans meetings on Hwy 126 safety enhancements

January 27, 2016
Santa Paula News

It’s back and Caltrans is planning two meetings in the Santa Clara River Valley to consider improvements to Highway 126, a longstanding and controversial plan for Santa Paula and Fillmore area residents but work that Caltrans claims will enhance safety.

The first California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) scoping meeting will be on January 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Fillmore’s City Hall Council Chambers, 250 Central Ave. in Fillmore.

The second meeting will be held on February 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Santa Paula Community Center, 530 W. Main St. in Santa Paula.

The meetings reflect the formal kickoff of studies by Caltrans for the project to “enhance safety throughout the State Route 126 corridor and reduce potential conflicting traffic movements,” according to an agency spokesperson.

The project is located on Highway 126 between Hallock Drive in Santa Paula and Fillmore’s E Street, a stretch of approximately 7 miles. Highway 126 provides an east-west connection between US Highway 101 in Ventura County and Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County. 

According to a statement, Caltrans is considering options that include a “concrete median barrier or a raised median island with visual markers. Possible features include roundabouts, wider road curves, an acceleration/deceleration lane at railroad crossings, retaining walls and improved highway access including driveways at various locations.”

One design option notes co

The cost of the project could hit $70 million, about $10 million a mile.

A “modern roundabout” according to the Federal Highway Administration, is a type of “looping junction in which road traffic travels in one direction around a central island and priority is given to the circulating flow. Signs usually direct traffic entering the circle to slow and to yield the right of way.”

Those living and working along Highway 126 as well as commuters have questioned Caltrans plans in the past noting suggested improvements would hamper farming and create its own hazards if access is restricted along the route. 

Although long known as Blood Alley, traffic-calming efforts in recent years have brought down the accident rate on the stretch. A trash hauler that years ago lost its brakes while coming down steep Toland Road caused a fatal accident on Highway 126 but otherwise most accidents have not involved trucks. 

Tentative Caltrans plans according to a source familiar with the project said the agency is examining three options: no build, and two alternative traffic flow plans that each include up to four roundabouts. 

The meetings will feature Caltrans representatives who will have exhibits, a presentation on the potential projects and impacts and staff to answer questions.

Although public comment will be accepted at the meetings you’d better write it down and submit it that evening via hard copy or mail it to the agency, which has tight comment rules; the deadline is March 4 for the submittal of written comments that should be addressed in the report. According to the agency’s statement, Caltrans is soliciting written comments from “public agencies, private entities, and interested/affected individuals regarding any potential social, economic, community, traffic, safety and environmental issues related to this project.”

The primary purpose of the upcoming meetings according to Caltrans is “listen to agency and public concerns, and learn about the environmental issues of importance to the community.

“Caltrans is interested in hearing the point of view of all parties interested in the project, to ensure that all relevant factors are considered.”

Comments, suggestions and inquiries also can be submitted by March 4 to: Tami Podesta, Branch Chief; California Department of Transportation; Division of Environmental Planning (SR-126 Safety Enhancement Project); 100 South Main St. Suite 100, MS 16A; Los Angeles, CA 90012.





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