Concern Over Workers’ Safety Delays Highway Project

State Department of Transportation officials plan to delay repairs along a stretch of California 33 until they secure protection against motorists who have injured at least two maintenance workers, officials said Thursday.

Caltrans maintenance chief Wayne Johnson said he would ask California Highway Patrol officers to protect his men, who have been the victims of accidental and deliberate injuries in recent months.

“This is the only place in Ventura County where we have this problem,” Johnson said. “We had two dangerous incidents last year.”

A flag man was struck by a passing car when the driver ran through the bright orange protective cones, Johnson said. In another incident last year, a Caltrans worker was struck by a full can of beer tossed by a driver.

“Our worker was hit in the head and taken to the hospital,” he said.

Caltrans engineers plan a series of improvements to California 33, including pavement repairs that have now been put on hold. The next project planned is a shoulder repair north of Oak View, but the delays will affect all maintenance projects until Caltrans and the CHP reach an agreement.

Lanie Jo Springer, a member of the Highway 33 Improvement Committee, said the delay is ironic because the group has prided itself on its long-running “Courtesy on 33” campaign.

“Now our efforts are delayed because of a couple of reckless and malicious drivers,” she said. “Patience and mutual respect are needed for our fellow drivers.

“The public should remember that Caltrans workers are there for all our good.”

Supervisor Susan K. Lacey, who represents the Ojai Valley on the county Board of Supervisors, said she was shocked by the two reports of injuries against state highway workers.

“It’s terrible that [Caltrans] has to spend some of their limited resources just to protect themselves,” she said.

CHP Officer David Cockrill said the patrol has provided security for Caltrans field workers on other occasions.

“It’s something that has been happening statewide for quite awhile,” Cockrill said. “Caltrans contracts with the Highway Patrol to provide security while they’re out doing construction.

“A lot of times, if you just have a lane blocked, people are adamant about going through,” he said. “So it helps if you have some law enforcement there.”

Both injured Caltrans workers were treated and released, officials said. Despite an investigation of the beer-throwing incident, no one was charged, Cockrill said.

“Nobody really got a good description on the vehicle,” he said. “Caltrans and CHP went to local schools to look for the car, but they couldn’t find the right one.”

The pavement repairs to California 33 will be delayed until later this spring, when Caltrans signs an agreement with the CHP to provide security at the work site, Johnson said.