Effects of Beach Blvd. Widening Are Studied

The large, colorful signs that advertise attractions along the city’s entertainment corridor will be moved back soon, as preparations begin for the widening of Beach Boulevard.

Two of the most visible miles in the city will be in disarray as the boulevard is widened by one lane on each side and transformed into a “smart street.”

Public works officials and the Orange County Transportation Authority promise spectacular results from the $5-million project, complete with bus turnouts, improved traffic synchronization, lighting and landscaping.

During the construction, set to start in about a year, the business climate will “not be perfect,” Public Works Director Donald K. Jensen said.

About 30 managers of affected businesses gathered at City Hall this week for the first of many coordinating meetings OCTA will hold over the next year.

The state is acquiring property along each side of the road for the new lanes, said Lupe Changala, one of OCTA’s project managers. All signs and other structures in the way will be relocated, with compensation to owners.

The managers will also spend that time holding focus groups to determine the schedule of construction, considering the needs of local business owners. Access to all 35 driveways along the road will be open for all but the shortest times, Changala assured them.

Figuring out what schedules best suit the businesses will be complicated, and the group is divided on when the first three months of work, likely to be the most disruptive, should begin.

About half said that the fall of 1997 would be better, while the others said the project should be delayed until January 1998, after the holiday shopping season.

Whenever the work is done, “it’s going to be a mess,” said Brenda Bodnar, sales director for Movieland Wax Museum, which has a 50-foot-tall sign to move.

Information: (714) 724-2077.

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Wide Sides

Project will add two lanes.