Toll Road Extension Through San Clemente Shot Down, Maybe Forever

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — San Clemente voiced their opinion against the 241 toll road so strongly that a new ruling will eliminate any chance of a toll road in that part of the county, ever. On Friday morning, the California Senate Transportation Committee passed SB 1373 by a 12-0 vote.

The state bill, submitted by Senator Patricia Bates, will codify the March 12 decisions by the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) to abandon its proposed SR-241 Toll Road Extension through the City of San Clemente due to its devastating environmental, economic, cultural, and societal costs.

SB 1373 deletes from the state highway system the portion of State Route 241 from State Route 5 south of the City of San Clemente to Oso Parkway east of the City of Mission Viejo.

Mayor Pro Tem Laura Ferguson released a statement on the issue.

"While the TCA board agreed that the 241 extension through San Clemente will not be
studied or built, today's news about SB 1373 provides optimism that this decision has a good
chance of never being able to be undone by future boards," Ferguson wrote. "We are extremely appreciative that Senator Bates has been such a
champion for our City and for good transportation policy for South Orange County. We look forward to continuing to work with TCA, OCTA, and the County in creating real solutions for decreasing traffic in the region."

Senator Patricia Bates said the vote a "major step towards ensuring that a potential toll road extension will not tear the City of San Clemente apart."

"If signed into law, SB 1373 will give San Clemente residents the certainty they desire to keep
their city together for future generations," she added. "I will continue to work with stakeholders as the bill moves forward this year."

The next hearing on SB 1373 will likely be in the Senate Appropriations Committee on
June 8.