Leading the meeting was Caltrans Public Information Officer Michael Comeaux, who fielded questions and comments about the blockage. The state’s ability to reopen the road, he said, is hampered by the threat of further sliding. Having tested the soil, Caltrans next must complete a geotechnical study and design plan, then build a temporary retaining wall, before it can begin to clear the tons of debris that choke the roadway. “If we start removing slide material by late April,” he estimated, “we can hopefully see something happening to rebuild the roadway to get a lane open by late May.”
In his comments, Supervisor LaVere told guests that the county has taken measures to provide the area with an adequate supply of first responders, especially in times of natural disaster. To alleviate the effects of the road closure — which has extended daily commutes by upward of two hours for some local residents — Martin Erickson, executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, announced plans to begin operating a shuttle bus in the area “as early as next week.” And while many local residents have advocated for a pedestrian pathway around the mudslide, Mr. Comeaux insisted that its creation would not be possible, citing safety and private-property concerns.
Most of the two-hour meeting was dedicated to a question-and-answer period, which included inquiries about the pace of the repair effort, other area highway projects, and efforts to facilitate local mail delivery. “The meeting was a great opportunity for Caltrans to hear the community’s concerns and for Caltrans to share the latest information about the emergency project to reopen State Route 150 as soon as possible,” said Mr. Comeaux. “Thomas Aquinas College generously provided a warm, welcoming environment for an open discussion about this very challenging situation.”
In the night’s closing comment, Cathy Collins, the College’s campus nurse and a resident of Upper Ojai, urged public officials to “keep in mind the overall impact all along the route,” and encouraged all gathered to remain hopeful, as “faith can move mountains.” To which Mr. Comeaux wryly replied, “I would ask you to pray that this particular mountain not move at all.”
Note: If you have questions about the mudslide and road closure, please contact Michael Comeaux at Caltrans.