YORBA LINDA

A Superior Court judge is expected to rule today on whether the city needs to do more environmental studies before it starts work on the Imperial Highway widening project.

If Judge Robert E. Thomas rules against the city, the project could be delayed by at least a year, said Roy Stephenson, director of public works.

“We would of course abide by whatever the judge rules,” he said. “But I believe we’ll get a favorable ruling and move ahead with our project.”

The lawsuit, heard Friday in Santa Ana Superior Court, was filed last year by the group, Yorba Lindans for Responsible Planning, headed by resident Mark Abramowitz.