Following the construction contract that was awarded to Toro Enterprises, Inc. on June 15, the City of Santa Paula is planning to kickstart the Harvard Boulevard Improvement Project in September. This comprehensive project will improve the roadway pavement along Harvard Boulevard from 10th Street to Peck Road, replace the water and sewer mainlines and include pedestrian access ramp replacements.

“Updating Harvard Boulevard has been a major objective for the City since I started serving as a Council Member,” Mayor Jenny Crosswhite stated. “Harvard Boulevard is a major street in Santa Paula, and by advancing infrastructure that affects everyday life, these upgrades will support future development and contribute to the community’s overall well-being.”

The project will replace 9,000 linear feet of the water mainline, some of which are over 100 years old, and 8,050 linear feet of the sewer line beneath the designated road sections. Throughout the construction zone, modifications will also be made to specific storm drains, replacement of fire hydrants and improvements to two flashing crosswalks. The roadway and curbs will be replaced and modernized, creating a safer road for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Not only does this investment in the City’s infrastructure advance overall public safety, it also allows Santa Paula to plan for growth and enhance its resilience to natural disasters.

Phoenix Civil Engineering, Inc. has been contracted to provide project management services, while Toro Enterprises, Inc. will handle the construction phase. The work will take approximately 18 months to complete and is anticipated to finish in early 2024. At a cost of over $16 million dollars, the City of Santa Paula is financing this project with help from funds received from Measure T, the one percent sales tax, and $1.5 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

In addition to the Harvard Boulevard project, street repairs have already been completed in multiple locations throughout Santa Paula this summer. With financial support from Measure T funds, the Public Works Department has made street improvements on Santa Barbara Street, Santa Paula Street, Dean Drive, Virginia Terrace and Saticoy Street.

The City of Santa Paula is committed to minimizing disruptions to residents and businesses as the Harvard Boulevard Improvement Project advances. To keep the community updated and informed on the project’s progress, the City has created a dedicated website where community members can find project descriptions, construction timelines, frequently asked questions, project documents, road closure updates and more: HarvardBlvdProject.com.

For more information on the construction schedule and to subscribe for updates, visit HarvardBlvdProject.com or contact the Construction Manager at harvard@phoenixcivil.com or (805) 518-2992.