NEWPORT BEACH

Work is continuing on the Balboa Island Bridge retrofit project and may include lane closures and other traffic delays, city officials said. Crews are making the 69-year-old bridge more earthquake-safe by installing 10 large pilings along each side. The $2-million project, paid for with federal funds, should be completed by June. Design plans include two concrete walkways, in addition to the existing 8-foot-wide sidewalks. Many Balboa Island residents believe the walkways will make the bridge more aesthetically pleasing by hiding the pilings and safer by allowing more room for bicyclists and pedestrians. But the City Council has yet to decide whether to spend the more than $200,000 for the walkways.