Caltrans has secured $4 million in emergency funding to address a substantial crack that has developed in the slope below Pacific Coast Highway near Laguna Beach.
The crack, located near the Moro Beach section of Crystal Cove, measures an estimated 360 feet long and 2 feet wide. It was first observed earlier this month after high tides and strong waves impacted the slope. A weekend of high surf and stormy weather further battered the Southern California coastline, with the crack appearing below the highway this week, leading to a partial closure.
Currently, the right lane of southbound PCH, which is closest to the slope, is closed from Reef Point Drive to Irvine Cove Drive, according to Caltrans spokesperson Christianne Smith. Caltrans is also awaiting approval from both California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission to implement a more extensive closure that would convert one of the northbound lanes into a southbound lane, effectively closing both southbound lanes of PCH.
To mitigate immediate risks, Caltrans has already installed plastic sheeting over the crack. This measure aims to prevent rainwater from entering the slope ahead of anticipated storms. The next phase of the repair, which involves reinforcing the slope by buttressing it at the base and armoring it with rocks to hinder slope movement and erosion, was scheduled to begin Tuesday but had not yet received the necessary approvals as of Wednesday morning.
The third phase of the project involves collaboration with California State Parks. This phase will focus on developing a long-term stabilization approach to ensure roadway protection, utilizing geotechnical data and insights gained from similar emergency repairs, according to a Caltrans statement. While Caltrans is also working on protecting other areas along PCH, such as one in Malibu in District 7, Ms. Smith confirmed, "We’re primarily focused on the Moro Beach slope near Crystal Cove, where the crack formed."
A timeline for the entire project's completion has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether additional funding beyond the initial $4 million will be required for the extensive repairs.
The broader context for this damage is Southern California's ongoing challenge with coastal erosion, exacerbated by a “super” El Niño winter season. This phenomenon has already led to collapsed sea bluffs, eroded beaches, and damage to homes and infrastructure along the coast. Transit has also been affected, with the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner temporarily shut down along the San Clemente coastline last month during high tides.
Motorists are advised by Caltrans to follow all posted signs and traffic controls and to allow for extra travel time when traversing the affected area. Updated traffic conditions can be found on the Caltrans QuickMap.
The PCH lane closure is near El Morro Elementary, according to a social media update shared by Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff and Laguna Beach Unified School District Supt. Don Austin. Superintendent Austin noted that despite concerns from families who rely on school buses, transportation services are currently operating as usual. He added that internal discussions have been ongoing for over a week, developing contingency plans for potential rerouting if needed.
