A newly found crack in the coastal bluff above Pacific Coast Highway near Laguna Beach has led to the closure of a southbound lane, raising concern along one of Southern California's most scenic routes.
Here's what to know
According to a TikTok video by ABC7LA (@abc7la), officials have not yet determined how deep the crack is or how far it runs, and Caltrans has not said when the lane might reopen.
@abc7la There are new concerns along one of Southern California's most scenic highways. Cracks discovered in a coastal bluff at Crystal Cove State Park has forced the closure of a southbound lane on PCH. Officials are investigating the extent of the damage after recent rough surf and heavy swells.
♬ original sound - ABC7LA
"There are new concerns along one of Southern California's most scenic highways. Cracks discovered in a coastal bluff at Crystal Cove State Park has forced the closure of a southbound lane on PCH. Officials are investigating the extent of the damage after recent rough surf and heavy swells," the video's caption reads.
Concern about the highway's vulnerability also appeared in the replies, where one commenter wrote, "That highway can't catch a break." ABC7 said the problem followed a stretch of big swells and high tides that pounded the coastline.
More background
The damaged bluff sits above Moro Beach on a well-known stretch of PCH, ABC7 reported. Staff also closed portions of Crystal Cove State Park, including the historic district, while they assessed the damage.
State park staff were still reviewing damage and reinforcing the coastline when 26 beach-cottage occupants were evacuated. A state park spokesperson said the beach directly below the bluff was also closed, limiting access in a recreation area near Laguna Beach.
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What's being done?
Along PCH, Caltrans crews inspected the site as the agency weighed next steps. Officials said they are investigating the shoulder's condition and determining what action may be necessary.
State park staff continued assessing damage as they shored up the coastline. Officials are keeping areas closed for now as they assess the bluff's stability and the risk of additional erosion.
ABC7 noted that stronger high tides are forecast.
Where can I learn more?
These stories dig deeper into the coastal erosion and bluff instability threatening roads and communities in California and elsewhere.
• In Carlsbad, roads along the coastline are disappearing as erosion threatens an iconic highway.
• Across California, a disastrous situation is unfolding as unstable slopes tear apart coastal homes.
• In Maui, the threat of destruction is growing as rising seas eat away at shoreline protections.
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