IRVINE : Strong Support Seen for ‘No-Build’ Bypass

When the City Council meets today to chose among three proposed routes to bypass toll booths planned for part of Newport Coast Drive, community members are expected to turn out in force to recommend a fourth alternative.

It’s called the “no-build” alternative by advocates who are fighting plans by the Transportation Corridor Agencies to include part of Newport Coast Drive within the planned San Joaquin Hills toll road.

“Our position is that Irvine has absolutely no business in considering these routes,” said Costa Mesa attorney Jim Toledano, who represents the Newport Coast Drive Defense Fund. The group filed a lawsuit in September against plans to put toll booths on a 1 1/2-mile section of Newport Coast Drive.

Toledano said he believes the City Council should wait for the outcome of the lawsuit before choosing among the three proposed bypass routes. He also argued that there is no money to build the estimated $17.5-million bypass and no support for the route among Irvine residents who want to keep Newport Coast Drive toll-free.

Residents from Turtle Rock Village and University Hills neighborhoods have battled at two Planning Commission meetings over the proposed routes, fearing increased noise and traffic in their communities. But most community members said they prefer the “no-build” alternative.

City officials warn that the county is threatening to withhold an average $1.5 million a year in transportation money if Irvine fails to approve one of the three bypass routes. But Councilman Greg Smith said he is trying to find out if the city could compensate the toll road agency for lost revenue in a deal to keep toll booths off Newport Coast Drive.

“This might at least open the door for further discussions,” Smith said. “If the no-build alternative is a viable one, I think it offers the best solution.”