Freeway Sound Wall to Be Started in Spring

Construction is expected to begin in the spring on a sound wall along a stretch of the Ventura Freeway in Agoura Hills, ending a 10-year effort by residents to get it built.

City Manager Dave Adams said the project will be advertised in January, and construction is expected to be completed in October.

Canwood Street residents, who live next to the freeway, began lobbying the state to build the wall in 1985, when a truck careened off the freeway and through a chain-link fence, almost striking a resident. Later, a dispute arose between residents and two area businesses that wanted a 500-foot opening in the wall to make their establishments visible from the freeway. The neighbors wanted the opening limited to 350 feet. Last year, the two sides agreed to a 400-foot opening.

About two years ago, Caltrans, which is providing most of the funds, put the city on a waiting list until funds became available. Caltrans’ portion will amount to $600,000, city officials said, and the city will contribute about $22,000 from its General Fund.

The 16-foot-high wall will run along the north side of the freeway between Reyes Adobe Road and the Agoura Hills/Westlake Village city line. It will be built in two sections, 1,430 feet and 710 feet long, with the 400-foot opening between them. Adams said construction is expected to begin in April.