City Council to Consider Newport Road Widening Proposal

The Menifee City Council will consider the first phase of a six-part road improvement plan when it meets Tuesday at 7 p.m. for its regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall.

A public hearing is scheduled to give residents the chance to speak about the proposal presented by the public works department. This project is designed to widen a stretch of Newport Road east of Interstate 215, from Antelope Road to Menifee Road. One lane will be added in each direction, making Newport Road a six-lane street at that point.

This is considered important as a first step in the city's plan to improve traffic flow. Why? Because Newport Road west of the freeway already is six lanes wide and the Newport Interchange Improvement Project -- second on the city's priority list -- will increase the bridge from four to six lanes as well.

According to the proposal, the Newport Road Widening Project would include:

-- One additional lane in each direction.
-- One additional left-turn lane from westbound Newport Road onto southbound Antelope Road.
-- Installation of new traffic signals at the intersection of Newport Road and Westlink/Via Corazon.
-- Reconstruction of existing pavement.

Council members will be asked to:

-- Adopt a declaration stating there will be no negative environmental impact.
-- Approve the plans for the project.
-- Authorize the city engineer to advertise the project for public bid.

A public hearing is also scheduled regarding the proposed extension of a moratorium on metal shipping containers in the city. In addition, the council will conduct a study session at 5 p.m. to consider the 2013-14 budget and the city's capital improvement project, which was outlined at an April 30 public forum.

The meeting will take place in the City Hall council chambers, 29714 Haun Road.