NEWPORT BEACH : Alternate Routes to Coast Urged
The California Highway Patrol is urging beach-goers going to Newport Beach to avoid the new extension of the Costa Mesa Freeway.
The CHP issued an advisory on Friday suggesting alternate routes after drivers took up to two hours to travel the last mile of the freeway, CHP Officer Angel Johnson said.
“People have the impression that the 55 Freeway continues all the way to the beach, which is not the case,” Johnson said. She said the freeway actually ends at Fairview Road, miles from the beach, and narrows from three lanes to one.
Johnson also warned that the problem can get worse.
“As warm weather approaches, the CHP anticipates increased traffic congestion during the weekends,” she said.
Instead of traveling the freeway to its end, Johnson suggested that beach-goers entering Newport Beach take alternate routes, such as the Corona del Mar Freeway to Jamboree Road or the San Diego Freeway to Harbor Boulevard.
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