California Construction News staff writer
Mitigation efforts are underway at a construction site on Front Street in Ventura, after a failure of temporary shoring at an active multi-family apartment development.
As a precaution, a nearby residential building and part of a commercial property have been red-tagged, restricting access to those structures to ensure public safety. Officials confirm there is no immediate threat to life safety.
A large sinkhole next to a construction site in Ventura swallowed cars and threatened nearby properties on Thursday at about 12:20 p.m., after an “incident involving the failure of temporary construction shoring” at the construction site, according to a statement from the city.
“City staff are working closely with construction engineers to evaluate the situation and determine appropriate repairs and potential temporary measures to prevent further damage,” the city said.
Although a Stop Work Order remains in effect halting all permitted construction activities, emergency and mitigation work—including shoring, stabilization, and debris removal—is authorized to address the issue.
City officials emphasize that public safety remains the top priority and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
