Mariner’s Mile sewer work, traffic jams on Speak Up Newport agenda

An Orange County Sanitation District representative will discuss the replacement of an aging sewer line along Mariner’s Mile in Newport Beach during Wednesday’s Speak Up Newport meeting.

The work on the 70-year-old sewer line from Dover Drive to the Santa Ana River, which helps carry waste from Newport Beach and adjacent communities to the treatment plant in Huntington Beach, hasn’t proved to be easy. In addition, traffic jams have been common in recent months.

A contractor for the Orange County Sanitation District ruptured gas lines twice in four days in January, causing hours-long traffic delays. In February, crews working on the sewer line accidentally cut power to a traffic signal.

Sanitation District representative Robert Thompson and Newport Beach’s Director of Public Works Dave Webb will discuss the status of the project and its effect on residents. The meeting is free to the public. A reception from 5:30 to 6 p.m. precedes the program.

The event be held in the Civic Center Community Room, 100 Civic Center Drive.