COSTA MESA
County transportation officials approved more than $11 million Monday for street improvement projects to help relieve congestion around Newport Boulevard and 17th Street.
The funds, distributed by the Orange County Transportation Authority, could help streamline traffic on Newport Boulevard between 17th and 19th streets, where commuters traveling to and from the Costa Mesa Freeway are slowed every day, said Mayor Gary Monahan. Improving traffic in the downtown area has been a priority of the City Council for years.
The city will get $4.58 million for Newport Boulevard, which could get an additional lane in both directions. The city will receive $4.46 million for the 17th Street project, which focuses on the road between Orange and Irvine avenues.
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