City receives praise for less congestion

Businesses along Newport Boulevard gave Costa Mesa high marks for its six-month-long, $7-million construction project to widen the highway.

Only a few orange cones were left on the stretch of roadway from 19th to 17th streets Monday afternoon. The planters were filled with bushes and palm trees, and the newly paved streets and decorative crosswalks awaited Wednesday’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony at Triangle Square.

One lane was added northbound from 17th to 19th streets, and a shorter lane was added southbound between the 55 Freeway and 19th Street.

Several store owners said the major construction caused a noticeable drop in business, but they applauded the city for giving plenty of notice, taking suggestions and working mostly through the night to avoid traffic congestion during high-traffic hours.

Crews worked from late night to sunrise most of the time, trying to keep all lanes open during rush hours.

“I think it was well done as far as how it was orchestrated by the city,” said El Matador restaurant owner Greg McConaughy. “I think it was well worth it.”

McConaughy estimated that he got about 10% fewer customers because of the road work. Jack Carver, the general manager of the Grant Boys gun and recreation shop down the street, said he also saw a drop in sales.

During the construction, people avoided the major artery and either postponed trips or took side streets like Orange Avenue, which became congested, Carver said.

Still, it was well worth the few months of inconvenience, he said. Some say that they already see traffic flowing faster and smoother.

“We’re not getting near the congestion in the late afternoon from people leaving the beach as we did in years past,” said Cal’s Cameras Vice President Mark Stilley.