Newport Beach : Channel Bridge to Be Widened, Not Rebuilt
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Citing a lack of money, the City Council has turned down a request by Newport Harbor boat owners and residents to build a new and higher Channel Bridge leading to the Balboa Peninsula.
The council instead last week voted to widen the 150-foot-long structure at its present elevation and add a northbound lane on narrow Newport Boulevard to relieve traffic congestion.
That way, city Public Works Director Ben Nolan explained, the city could take advantage of $1 million in state funds for the bridge widening and additional lane in about three years. Boat owners have proposed raising the bridge for greater clearance. Building a new bridge, however, would have cost almost $5 million.
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