Extensions of Lake Forest Drive and Bake Parkway are now open to commuters, making it easier to get between Laguna Beach, Irvine, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods and Rancho Santa Margarita.
The road was punched through in anticipation of new homes that are being built in the area.
The new Lake Forest-Bake intersection is at the edge of the property where Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (formerly Irvine Meadows) currently sits, but only for a few more years -- the longtime concert venue is slated to close in 2017 when its lease expires. The Irvine Company plans to build homes on the site that also was once the location of the Wild Rivers water park and Lion Country Safari.
The road does pass intriguingly close to the amphitheater, though, which certainly makes it easier to hear the next KROQ Weenie Roast for free ...
