Description

This project will design and construct permanent repairs to the Cathedral Oaks crib wall and associated slopes, road, shoulder and bikeway.

Purpose and Need

The purpose of the project is to mitigate structural damage to the crib wall structure and backfill due to severe erosion from storm water related to intense winter storms experienced in since 2017.  A combination of high intensity runoff, infiltration and migration of storm water has caused various sink-holes, surface erosion of slopes and material loss through the face of the crib wall. Damage to the crib wall and supported slopes threatens the adjacent Cathedral Oaks Road and bikeway, resulting in a need to repair the damaged sections of crib wall and repair adjacent shoulder, road and bikeway. 

Funding Sources

The City is evaluating funding options for construction. 

Current Phase

Cathedral Oaks Road between Calle Real and Winchester Circle is back open again. The roadway had been closed since February 4, 2024, following heavy rains and storm runoff. A series of geotechnical testing was done on the roadway and the results led to the determination that it was safe to lift the closure for now.

Public Works staff will continue to monitor the integrity of the roadway closely, but based on this recommendation, it will be open during the dry season. However if there are wet periods or any other concerns that come up, the City will once again close the road. 

The City has hired a design firm and geotechnical firm to do further exploratory work. The primary issue is the storm damage to both the slopes and the 40-foot high crib walls supporting Cathedral Oaks Road and the adjacent bike path. A Crib Wall is a type of large-scale retaining wall that retains an earthen slope. This damage raised concerns over the integrity of the roadway and thus prompted the closure of this portion of Cathedral Oaks Road.

PROJECT MANAGER:

Michael Winnewisser
Project Manager
mwinnewisser@cityofgoleta.org
(805) 690-5120