The coronavirus pandemic is holding up discussions on a bill that would block at the state level agencies from considering the extension of the 241 Toll Road south of Oso Parkway in Mission Viejo.

Back in March, South Orange County toll road officials seemed to back off a handful of controversial proposals to extend a south county toll road in favor of extending an existing, non-tolled road in the area for traffic relief.

State lawmakers on Friday, June 26, passed legislation from Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) to block the 241 Toll Road from extending further south and cut through the city of San Clemente.

State Sen. Pat Bates called it a great first step. “It’s something long overdue and a step in the right direction,” said Bates, R-Laguna Niguel. “It’s good news.”

Last year, the city council backed state legislation from Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) that was meant to extend the funding provisions of the MOU. The city, in its report, credits Bates for helping to spur the discussions among the municipalities and SoCal Edison in order to reach an...