Unsafe slope draws concern

An intersection with a bothersome right-turn lane in Newport Coast is up for retooling after years of problems with accidents, including several instances of cement trucks capsizing as they rounded the bend.

Construction work could start in late October or early November on the right turn at the northwest corner of Newport Coast Drive and Pelican Hill Road North.

Originally built by the county, the road slopes in such a manner that it doesn’t create a bank for cars to turn. Instead, even high-performance vehicles have to take the turn at slow speeds, city officials said.

“Right now the current alignment promotes vehicles to flip over,” said Newport Beach senior civil engineer Iris Le.

And that is what has happened in the past.

There have been five serious accidents on Newport Coast Drive where cement trucks have flipped over since July 2004. The most recent was Feb. 2, 2007 when a cement truck rolled over at the Pelican Hill Road and Newport Coast Drive turn.

In that accident, the cement truck sheared off the back of a pickup truck, and maneuvers by both drivers probably saved their lives, authorities said at the time.

Due to the construction in the area, cement trucks often pass through the intersection.

After the 2007 roll-over, Councilman Keith Curry and Councilwoman Nancy Gardner called for action to make the road safer. The City Council on Tuesday will consider a reconstruction plan.

“This is a critical safety improvement for the residents of the Newport Coast,” Curry said.

Construction will drop the right-hand turn lane so it slopes inward to create a bank for cars to turn right. The city got an easement from the local homeowners association so it could cut into local residential property.

GMC Engineering would do the project if it is approved, and it would cost $366,093. Included in the project will be work on curbs and gutters, the sidewalk, access ramps, traffic signals and landscaping, according to city officials.

The project isn’t anticipated to slow traffic in the area, but the length of the project and other details won’t be available until the project is further developed.

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at daniel.tedford@latimes.com.