City Council shuffles construction responsibility

The Costa Mesa City Council approved an agreement with the State Department of Transportation in a 4-1 vote at its Tuesday night meeting, taking another step toward short-term improvements to Newport Boulevard between 17th and 19th streets.

Construction, which would begin in the fall, adds a north- and southbound lane on Newport Boulevard, a fourth southbound lane from the 55 Freeway to Broadway, an additional right turn lane at 17th Street, and the construction of sidewalks and aesthetic improvements up the boulevard.

The plan awaits a final approval by the City Council, which is likely to come sometime in August. Staff estimates put the project’s cost at $6.2 million, which will be paid with funds from Measure M and other grants.

“[The agreement] does not make any changes to the project; it simply changes the roles and responsibilities of each agency during the construction period,” said Public Services Director Peter Naghavi.

Some Eastside residents rapped the board, saying the project would do nothing to address traffic.

“This won’t solve the problem,” resident Mike Moon said. “This will put cars at stop lights along Newport Boulevard. It’s true there will be other lanes, but when pedestrians cross the street, traffic will stop.”

Councilwoman Linda Dixon, who voted against the measure, said she would prefer pedestrian bridges be built above Newport Boulevard, allowing more green lights and an expeditious flow of traffic.

Councilman Allan Mansoor said he thought such a project would be worth considering, but could come at a high cost to meet requirements established in the Americans with Disabilities Act, such as elevators and other measures to increase accessibility.

— Chris Caesar