COSTA MESA : Fair Concerts May Bring Traffic Snarls

City officials are bracing for severe traffic problems expected when the Pacific Amphitheatre holds more concerts than ever during the Orange County Fair next month.

City Manager Allan L. Roeder and other officials have said that roads surrounding the fairgrounds were not built to handle the large traffic volume caused by the combination of the fair and pop concerts. They have also expressed concerns about the number of police who must be pulled from regular duties to direct the excess traffic.

The City Council removed police security from the fairgrounds last month after concert organizers rejected a request by Roeder to reschedule a July 19 show. Police will continue to direct traffic and parking.

The fair, scheduled for July 17 through 28, attracts about 25,000 visitors each weekday and 50,000 to 70,000 each weekend day. The Pacific Amphitheatre, which is on the fairgrounds, holds another 18,765 patrons.

Roeder told council members at a study session Monday that he will present a plan at the June 17 council meeting to handle traffic problems when more than one event is held at the fairgrounds.

“I think the big losers are the people of this community, as well as the people who go to these events who get tied up in that traffic,” Roeder said Tuesday.

An Orange County Fair spokeswoman said Gloria Estefan is scheduled to perform July 19, followed by concerts by Joe Cocker on July 23 and Guns N’ Roses on July 25 and 26.

Pacific Amphitheatre officials said the Guns N’ Roses shows are not confirmed. Roeder said he expects to hear from amphitheater officials today to confirm at least one show. He added that he was told there is only one concert planned by that group.

In 1986, the city had tried to prevent traffic tie-ups that occurred when the Beach Boys played during the fair. It was the last time a major concert was held during the fair.