Countywide : Consultants Hired for Parkway Extension

Plans to extend Antonio Parkway into San Juan Capistrano, creating a north-south alternative to the often-congested Interstate 5, are moving forward.

The Board of Supervisors has voted to hire consultants who will help county engineers plan the road and design a large bridge across San Juan Creek.

“We are trying to move as rapidly as we can to implement this road,” said George Britton, manager of environment and project planning for the county.

The Antonio Parkway extension will run from Oso Parkway to the Ortega Highway, passing through the 8,000-home Ladera development approved by the county last month. Officials estimate that the road will cost about $45 million and be open by 1999.

County officials said the extension is important because it will provide motorists with a road that parallels Interstate 5 through much of South County. Right now, there is no complete freeway alternative east of Interstate 5.

Local businesses have strongly supported the Antonio Parkway extension, saying that it will reduce the commute times of their employees.

“This project is important for the overall circulation in that part of the county,” Britton said.