Irvine to Back Tollway’s Environmental Report
The study looking at environmental effects of the proposed San Joaquin Hills toll road is adequate and requires only minor modifications, the Irvine City Council decided Tuesday.
The city, a member of the Transportation Corridor Agency, which is planning the toll road, will cast its vote in favor of certifying the environmental impact report during the agency’s meeting Thursday at Santa Ana City Hall.
The report is meant to address potential adverse effects that the road would have on the environment and ways to reduce environmental problems.
The Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano city councils have voted to oppose the environmental report. Mission Viejo has voted in favor of it.
Environmentalists have complained that the proposed toll road would have adverse effects on wildlife habitats and air quality in the region.
The $680-million tollway is being planned as an alternative route between central and south Orange County, running from the Corona del Mar Freeway to Interstate 5 in San Juan Capistrano.
One of the questions the corridor agency is expected to vote on Thursday is where the toll road would join I-5.
Under one option, endorsed by the Irvine council, the toll road would connect with I-5 in San Juan Capistrano south of Avery Parkway, which would force some businesses to be relocated.
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