COUNTY TO POST SIGNS ALONG SCENIC ROUTE.

Byline: David Greenberg Daily News Staff Writer

In an effort to boost tourism and alleviate traffic jams on the Ventura Freeway, county supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved a concept to designate 31 miles of seaside road as a scenic drive.

``This will let them enjoy all of our scenic beauty along the Ventura coast,'' said Supervisor Frank Schillo. ``I think you have a lot of people that don't understand what the attractions are.''

The 31-mile drive would be part of a larger plan being developed by the county for posting signs for scenic attractions. That proposal will be considered Feb. 24.

Later this month, the cities of Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme will consider appropriating money for additional signs along the route within their boundaries.

The scenic route would extend from Main Street and the Ventura Freeway in Ventura to Hueneme Road and Pacific Coast Highway near Point Mugu.

The scenic drive would include the San Buenaventura Mission founded in 1782; an exhibit of modern jets and missiles outside the gates of the Point Mugu Navy base; three beaches; two boat harbors; and the largest commercial port between Los Angeles and Oakland.

Although the route does not qualify for official state scenic highway status, eight signs costing no more than $2,000 would notify motorists they are traveling on a route of scenic treasures.

The state Department of Transportation has agreed to place markers along the Ventura Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway directing motorists to the coastal scenic drive.