Grant to help fund Harbor Blvd. median islands

A recently awarded federal grant will help fund improvements to portions of Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa.

The $528,000 will go toward adding raised median islands along Harbor between Wilson and 19th streets — a nearly one-mile stretch — as well as adding hardscape and landscape improvements.

The improvements will enhance the boulevard’s aesthetics and increase safety for pedestrians and vehicles, according to a city news release.

The money is from the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program and is administered through the California Department of Transportation.

Design work is expected to begin in July, with construction set to begin by July 2015.

The city will have to match funds for the project, which could come from the 2014-15 and 2015-16 fiscal year budgets.

—Bradley Zint

Twitter: @bradleyzint