Study of bridges released

Jennifer Kho

COSTA MESA -- The Santa Ana River Crossings Study, which evaluates the

potential environmental consequences of proposed bridges at Gisler Avenue

and at 19th Street, is now available for public review.

Copies of the study can be picked up at Costa Mesa and Newport Beach

city halls, the Mesa Verde branch of the Orange County Public Library and

the Newport Beach Central Library.

The Orange County Transportation Authority is collecting public

comments on the study until Aug 4.

The authority has also scheduled information sessions for Newport

Beach residents from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 17 at the City Council

Chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd., Building A; and for Costa Mesans from 5:30

to 7:30 p.m. July 19 at the Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Ave.

The bridges have long been points of contention between Costa Mesa,

Newport Beach, Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach -- the four cities

that are required to reach a consensus on the matter.

The Gisler Avenue bridge would cross the Santa Ana River from Costa

Mesa into Fountain Valley, where it would connect to Garfield Avenue.

The 19th Street bridge would cross from Costa Mesa to Banning Avenue

in Huntington Beach.