VEN-126 Highway Maintenance Project

The VEN-126 Highway Maintenance Project is a roadway safety initiative managed by Caltrans District 7 in Ventura County, California. The project focuses on restoring highway facilities on State Route 126 from post miles 20.0 to R22.7. The scope of work includes cold plane asphalt concrete pavement and RHMA overlay, replacing pavement striping and electrical loops, installing green conflict zone striping, and replacing flexible delineators in the Class IV separated bikeway. Additional improvements involve installing roadside warning signs, adding reflective back plates to signal heads at seven intersections, performing digouts, and installing shoulder backing. All activities are contained within the Caltrans right-of-way, and the project requires no new right-of-way acquisition or public utility relocation. The project is classified as a forecast under NAICS code 237310 and has been determined exempt under CEQA and categorically excluded under NEPA. Strict environmental and operational compliance is required, including adherence to Ventura County Air Pollution Control District rules for fugitive dust and architectural coatings. Contractors must implement stormwater and erosion control best management practices and conduct pre-construction burrowing owl surveys near Pole Creek. Additionally, the contractor must develop a Lead Compliance Plan and Work Plan for handling traffic stripe residue, with specific waste disposal requirements at a Class 1 facility. Operational constraints include a noise limit of 86 dBA at 50 feet between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., and a requirement to halt work if unidentified cultural materials are discovered until an archaeologist can assess the site.