Caltrans signs out of backyard

Elia Powers

After six days of staring at a “Lane Ends Merge Left” sign that

curved into their back yard, Costa Mesa residents George and Becky

Cote were given the green light to celebrate on Wednesday.

A Caltrans crew removed the sign while the couple was away from

its home on New Hampshire Drive.

The Cotes were also away from the house when a crew made the

initial installation.

George Cote said Caltrans information officer Sandy Friedman

called Wednesday afternoon to alert him that the sign would be

removed from the inside of the sound wall that separates the Cotes’

home from the San Diego (405) Freeway.

“I told her, ‘Thank you for taking it down, because it encroaches

on our back yard, and it’s an eyesore,’” Cote said.

“She said, ‘That’s why we are taking it down.’”

Friedman could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Caltrans information officer Nancy Mogote said the agency has come

up with an alternative location for the sign and is waiting on an

approval from consultants at the Orange County Transportation

Authority.

“We tried to meet the needs of the residents in order to resolve

the situation,” Mogote said.

“We also have to look at the needs of travelers.”

She said the sign likely will be placed in a new location today.

George Cote said he expected a longer battle with Caltrans. Becky

Cote said she is glad the situation is resolved.

“It makes a big difference,” she said.