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PCH Lane Closed Near Laguna Beach as Coastal Erosion Worsens
Caltrans said engineers are assessing the bluff and seeking repair permits as erosion from high surf threatens the roadway.
- On Tuesday, Caltrans closed one southbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway at Crystal Cove State Park after maintenance crews identified cracks in the bluff parallel to the roadway.
- Intense storm activity, high tides, and tropical swell surges caused severe shoreline erosion, with Caltrans spokesperson Christianne Smith noting high tides are rapidly eroding coastal bluffs within Crystal Cove State Beach.
- California State Parks staff evacuated visitors from 26 beach cottages and closed the beach area below the affected bluff, while State Parks Superintendent Paul Andrus said the significant erosion warrants geotechnical evaluation.
- Traffic remains affected with no estimated reopening date, and Laguna Beach officials advise commuters to prepare for extended closures as Caltrans investigates necessary repairs.
- Officials are conducting an adaptation planning study for PCH with a final draft expected by summer 2027, as the National Weather Service predicts an 83% chance of a historic El Niño season from October to December.
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17 Articles
17 Articles
Pacific Coast Highway partially closed in Orange County after crack appears in hillside
A weekend of high surf and stormy weather has battered the Southern California coastline. This week, a crack appeared below Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, prompting a partial closure.
·El Segundo, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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