Traffic Won't Be Flying

By KIMBERLY SANCHEZ

April 25, 1997 12 AM PT

TIMES STAFF WRITER

EL TORO MARINE BASE —

With 2 million spectators expected to flock to the final El Toro Air Show this weekend, motorists are reminded to be patient or get off the road.

“It’s going to be busy,” said Sgt. Jim Lowder, special event coordinator for Irvine police. “If you don’t have to be in the area, stay out. There’s going to be a lot of traffic.”

The completion of construction at the El Toro Y (the junction of the Santa Ana and San Diego freeways) and of the San Joaquin Hills toll road may alleviate some freeway congestion, Lowder said. Nonetheless, traffic is expected to reach an all-time high this year as massive crowds storm the base to bid farewell to an Orange County tradition.

“There are going to be a lot of cars,” Lowder said. “People are just going to have to learn some patience.”

In 1950, about 15,000 people gathered at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station for the first show, which lasted one hour. More than 100 times that many spectators will attend the 47th annual and largest air show in the nation, with more than 200 parked planes and 28 performances, including the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team and a stealth bomber fly-by.

“We made it a wide array to showcase everything out in aviation,” said Sgt. Barry Pawelek, air show spokesman. “We’ve gotten calls from people who are emotionally hurt that this is the last air show, so we’re trying to make it as good as we can.”

Officers from the Irvine police and the California Highway Patrol will begin waving cars inside the gates at 7 a.m. The highway advisory radio station, AM 530, will broadcast traffic conditions.

“We prefer people not lining up there at 4 in the morning,” said Sgt. Jay Gentile, CHP detail supervisor. “If they’re blocking the roads, we will be towing.”

In the morning hours, Irvine Boulevard, Trabuco Road, Marine Way and Astor will be transformed into one-way streets leading to the base. About 1 p.m., as spectators begin to leave, the direction will switch and head one-way outbound.

“If you think you are going to be able to show up at 2:30 to see the Blue Angels, you’re not going to be able to get into the base,” Gentile said. “And if you’re going to go, get there early, plan on staying the whole day.”

Spectators should be prepared with comfortable shoes, sunscreen, earplugs, bottled water, a hat or sunglasses, Pawelek suggested.

“It’s going to be a hot one,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Salch, spokesman for the Marine Corps weather service.

Temperatures are expected to reach 76 degrees Saturday and 79 degrees Sunday, according to the Marine weather service.

Visitors can bring coolers, lawn chairs and blankets for picnics in the free, grassy areas, Pawelek said, but not in preferred seating, for which tickets can be purchased. Glass bottles, Roller-Blades, skateboards, pets and barbecue pits are not allowed in the spectator area.

Additional information about the air show is available on the Internet at www.eltoroairshow.com.

The show is scheduled to begin with a performance by the Warbirds and the Flying Wing at 8:45 a.m. both days. However, early morning fog and low clouds could cause the show to be delayed for an hour, Salch warned. The clouds must be higher than 1,000 feet and visibility must be more than three miles for the pilots to take off.

Gentile warns motorists to resist the temptation of watching the show while driving. Officers will ticket those who stop on the Santa Ana and San Diego freeways.

“It’s very dangerous to do,” Gentile said. “They’ll stop in the fast lane to look at an overhead jet. We’ve been lucky we haven’t had anyone killed out there.”

For those who don’t want to fight the traffic into the base, but instead choose to catch a glimpse of the show from grassy hills or open spaces in the area, Lowder said be cautious of no-parking signs. Several businesses hire private security to block parking lots or tow cars in the local commercial areas.

Motorists who have no desire to see the airplanes but who need to travel during the weekend might want to bypass the area completely and take the toll road, the CHP said.

“It may be money well spent,” Gentile said.

Approach Control for the El Toro Air Show

Traffic Conditions

* Highway advisory radio station, AM 530, will broadcast traffic conditions.

* Southbound motorists are advised to take the Santa Ana Freeway and exit Culver Drive, Jeffrey Road or Sand Canyon Avenue (if early). Northbound, use Santa Ana Freeway to Alton Parkway.

* Irvine Boulevard and Trabuco Road from Jeffrey Road will become one-way access roads into the base.

* Sand Canyon Avenue will be closed between Trabuco Road and Portola Parkway.

* Jeffrey Road will be closed between Trabuco Road and Irvine Boulevard.

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After the Show’s Finale

Irvine Boulevard, Astor, Marine Way and Trabuco Road will only allow traffic to leave the air station.

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Road Closures Saturday and Sunday

7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

* Barranca Parkway: Ada Street to Alton Parkway, both directions

* Irvine Boulevard: Alton Parkway to Sand Canyon, both directions

2:30 to 7 p.m.

* Sand Canyon Avenue: At Burt Road northbound

3:15 to 7 p.m.

* Trabuco Road: Yale Avenue to Sand Canyon eastbound

* Jeffrey Road: Walnut Avenue to Trabuco Road northbound

* Santa Ana Freeway: Sand Canyon northbound and southbound offramps

* Santa Ana Freeway: Jeffrey Road northbound offramp

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Essentials

Be prepared for heat and crowds. Temperatures on the airfield are expected to reach the high 70s. Refreshments and souvenirs available from vendors. ATM machines will be available, as will restrooms. What else you’ll need: lawn chairs or blankets, lightweight protective clothing, sunscreen, hearing protection, hats or visors, umbrella, water, camera, film.

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Where to Sit

General admission: Free. Lawn chairs, strollers and coolers, but no glass containers allowed on grassy areas between airstrips.

Preferred Seating: $10 to $15. Lawn chairs, strollers and coolers prohibited. Tickets may be purchased at El Toro.

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Schedule

A.M.

7:00--Gates open

8:45--Warbirds; N9MB Flying Wing

9:11--Rocky Hill (Extra 300)

9:22--Ken Brock (gyroplane)

9:33--John Piggott (SU-29)