NEWPORT BEACH : Fun Zone Area Adds Traffic Upgrades

Visitors to the Balboa Pier and other areas near the popular Fun Zone will soon be seeing some parking and traffic signal changes that city engineers hope will help ease traffic.

There will no longer be parking on the inland bay side of Bay Street between Adams Street and Palm Street. That one-way road is often jammed with cars trying to turn into a nearby parking structure. Engineers say eliminating those spaces will create a new lane to ease congestion.

Also, Balboa Boulevard will receive two turn signals, one at Main Street and another at Palm Street, that engineers hope will help move cars in and out of the Fun Zone and eliminate the long line of cars that often backs up along the boulevard.

Assistant City Engineer Jim Brahler said the signal changes will not create a new turn lane but will allow cars the right of way to turn on a green arrow for a few seconds before the solid green signal replaces it.

The turn arrow should help Fun Zone visitors avoid traffic congestion and also help prevent the backup on the boulevard used by residential commuters trying to get to the tip of the peninsula, he said.

Costs for the improvements are about $42,000 and have been approved by the City Council.

Other projects being discussed include a new signal at Washington Street and parking lot improvements, including a remodeled collection booth and landscaping.