Local News in Brief : John Wayne Airport : Expansion Project May Delay Travelers

Orange County air travelers may have traffic delays at the MacArthur Boulevard entrance to John Wayne Airport beginning today because of construction related to a $296.6-million airport expansion project.

Workers will begin relocating a storm drain at the MacArthur Boulevard entrance, forcing closure of one of the two entrance lanes there for the next three months.

Project spokeswoman Sharon Esterley said all exit lanes will remain available until late December, when motorists will be diverted to Campus Drive from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. No commercial airline flights are scheduled to arrive or depart during those hours, so traffic is expected to be light.

“There will be some inconvenience now, but in the end we’ll all see that it was worth it,” said Esterley, referring to the new airport terminal and parking facilities due to open in 1990.

The storm drain is being relocated because it’s in the way of the planned new parking garages, Esterley said.

Food for Needy The Black Students’ Union at Golden West College is sponsoring a drive to collect food for distribution to needy families during Christmas. Donations may be brought to the student lounge in the Humanities Building, the College Center or the financial aid office in the Administration Building through Thursday. For more information, call (714) 895-8781.