Tell OCTA how you really feel about the 55 Freeway

County transportation officials are hoping that the public may bring a fresh perspective to efforts to relieve traffic congestion at the 55 Freeway terminus in downtown Costa Mesa.

A survey available at www.octa.net/55_access.aspx asks residents to identify the times they most frequently use the Newport Boulevard terminus, how often they try to avoid the stretch, and for other traffic behavior.

The survey is part of a broader effort by the Orange County Transportation Authority to alleviate chronic traffic on the major thoroughfare to Newport Beach.

OCTA spokeswoman Sarah Swensson said the authority would be holding town hall meetings. Costa Mesa residents can attend a meeting from 4 to 7 p.m. March 31, in the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Center’s Victoria Room, and another from 4 to 7 p.m. April 2 at the Costa Mesa City Hall. A meeting for Newport Beach has yet to be determined, Swensson said.

— Chris Caesar