Getting to one of Ventura County’s most popular surf spots will soon become a bit more complicated.
A key access point to Emma Wood State Beach was set to close Monday as Caltrans advanced work on its $68 million Ventura Overhead Bridge replacement project, but has since been postponed.
Last week, signs posted along the freeway indicated the exit would close July 20. The signs have now been removed.
Caltrans Public Information Officer Marc Bischoff said the signs had to be removed and the closure delayed because the temporary emergency ramp has not yet been approved by multiple first responder agencies and the California Coastal Commission.
“The U.S. 101 northbound off-ramp cannot be closed until the temporary emergency exit ramp has been approved for use by multiple first responder agencies and the California Coastal Commission,” Bischoff said in an email. “It will take more time to secure these approvals.”
Despite the delay, Caltrans said the overall construction schedule remains on track and the project remains on budget.
The upcoming closure of the northbound U.S. 101 State Beaches exit, which provides direct access to State Route 1 and Emma Wood State Beach, is expected to affect commuters, surfers, cyclists and beachgoers who regularly use the popular route.
Emma Wood State Beach will remain open throughout construction.
When the closure does take effect, motorists traveling north on the U.S. 101 will need to use an alternate route to reach the beaches along State Route 1.
Motorists who would usually exit at State Beaches will instead need to continue approximately 6.5 miles to the SeaCliff exit before doubling back on the Pacific Coast Highway to reach the beach. The detour will add roughly 13 miles of driving round-trip.
Drivers heading southbound will retain access via the State Beaches exit.
Project Timeline
- January 2026: Construction began
- Summer 2026: Emergency-only access ramp should open once final approvals are secured.
- Fall / Winter 2026: Phase 2 begins, including closure of northbound State Beach ramps.
- Winter 2026: Existing bridge removed; retaining walls constructed.
- Spring 2028: Target completion.
The Ventura Overhead Bridge, originally built in 1934, spans the Union Pacific Railroad tracks near the state beaches. According to Caltrans, the 91-year-old structure no longer meets current railroad clearance requirements and modern seismic standards, making replacement more cost-effective than rehabilitating the existing bridge.
Construction on the project began in January 2026 and is expected to continue through spring 2028. Bischoff said crews are in the process of finalizing approval from Southern California Edison for electrical work related to the gate for the temporary emergency exit ramp.
Once the ramp opens, the next major milestone will be the development of a temporary pedestrian and bicycle bridge to maintain non-vehicle access during construction.
The new bridge will feature a longer span with fewer support columns, improved seismic resilience, upgraded safety features and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle access connecting the Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail to Emma Wood State Beach.
Caltrans said the bridge replacement will be safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and meet the updated railroad clearance requirements.
