Newport Coast Drive Bypass Before Council Tonight

The controversial Newport Coast Drive bypass proposal returns to the City Council tonight for approval after more than two years of public hearings and debate.

Council members last month granted an easement needed to incorporate a 1.5-mile section of Newport Coast Drive into the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor.

Their decision was made over the opposition of a group of Newport Beach residents who are suing to keep the road toll-free.

Members of the Newport Coast Drive Defense Fund also are fighting construction of the proposed $9.2-million bypass, which would extend Newport Coast Drive around the toll road, providing a toll-free route from Coast Highway to MacArthur Boulevard.

“They’re throwing away millions of dollars,” said attorney Jim Toledano, who represents the defense fund. “This is a totally unnecessary road.”

The county already has approved a $9.2-million bid to build the bypass, but the Irvine council must grant the necessary rights-of-way for construction to begin.

Newport Beach officials say the bypass will help keep commuters on Newport Coast Drive and out of the congested Corona del Mar area.

But residents in north Irvine fear that thousands of the diverted commuters will clog local streets.

On Feb. 27, Councilwoman Paula Werner cast the only vote against the Newport Coast Drive easement.

Werner said she remains opposed to the bypass.

Councilman Greg Smith was part of a 3-2 majority voting against the bypass Feb. 13, saying new information had to be analyzed first.

But barring additional revelations, Smith said, the council may have to approve the route to avoid being held liable for the cost of the entire project later on.

Said Smith: “There’s enough risk there to concern me.”