COSTA MESA : Road Work to Cause Traffic Tie-Ups

Residents should brace themselves for traffic tie-ups during the next few months, as nearly every major road in the city is slated to undergo extensive repairs.

Six main thoroughfares have been singled out for about $9 million in rehabilitation during the construction, which begins next month with projects on Adams Avenue, Victoria Street and Newport Boulevard.

The project is sponsored by the federal government under a nationwide plan designed to pump more than $150 billion into transportation improvements across the country. The majority of the funding, nearly $7 million, is being provided by the federal government, while the city’s share is expected to reach about $1.7 million.

Because so many streets are involved, city officials are warning residents that they might have to find alternative routes to work.

“We do feel there are going to be inconveniences,� said William Morris, director of public services. “Unfortunately, it is a fact of life. The roadways definitely need to be done.�

To lessen the blow, the city has staggered the starting times of the repairs so all six streets won’t be torn up at the same time. In addition, construction won’t occur during the peak traffic times, such as morning and afternoon rush hour, Morris said. He added that the city is undergoing a massive public information campaign to let people know which routes will be interrupted and when.

Last June, the city received notification that the work had been approved by the federal government. Earlier this month, the council approved construction contracts with a variety of companies.

Road Repairs

The city of Costa Mesa recently received about $7 million in federal funds for major road repairs next year. A schedule of the work:

Adams Avenue: Placentia Avenue to Royal Palm Drive; Peterson Place to Fairview Road (Jan. 4 to March 30).

Victoria Street: Harbor Boulevard to Newport Boulevard (Jan. 4 to April 15).

Fairview Road: Baker Street to Sunflower Avenue (Feb. 16 to May 30).

Wilson Street: Placentia Avenue to Pacific Avenue (June 1 to Sept. 20).

Placentia Avenue: Wilson Street to Adams Avenue (June 1 to Sept. 20).

Newport Boulevard: 19th Street to Bristol Street (Jan. 4 to July 15).