New Road Leads the Way to Auto Center

When Mayor Jack Tingstrom drops his checkered flag today, a dozen vintage hot rods will zoom down the freshly paved extension of Olivas Park Drive behind the Ventura Auto Center.

The opening of the road extension is the first of several long-awaited steps to improve traffic circulation and direct more customers to the city’s auto center next to the Ventura Freeway.

The City Council agreed earlier this year to spend $7 million on two large projects aimed at improving access to the center--one of the city’s largest sources of sales tax revenue. The two-lane, 1/3-mile Olivas Park extension cost $819,000 and took the city three months to build.

To celebrate the occasion, the city is sponsoring a public viewing so residents can ogle a dozen vintage hot rods from the Ventura Vintage Rods Club and two dozen sports models from the Auto Center, starting at 9 a.m.

At 10 a.m. the mayor will wave his checkered flag, and the road will officially open.

“This is just to let people know there is more access to the auto center,” said Richard Newsham, a city spokesman. He noted that work on the second major traffic project--improving the Johnson Drive and Victoria Avenue interchanges at the Ventura Freeway--will commence next year.

The grand road opening will take place on Olivas Park Drive at Golf Course Road near Buenaventura Golf Course. Those interested in attending should exit the Ventura Freeway at Victoria Avenue, head west and turn left on Olivas Park Drive.