Caltrans begins work to stabilize Crystal Cove slope

Traffic has been restricted to one lane in each direction on a scenic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway near Crystal Cove as crews work to address the issue of a fissure discovered last week along a coastal slope beneath the road.

California Department of Transportation has said a drone survey model of the Newport Coast-based crack, along an ocean-facing coastal bluff near the Moro Beach section of Crystal Cove State Park, has estimated it to be up to 360 feet in length, reaching a width of up to 2 feet.

Workers first discovered the crack on Oct. 10, according to Caltrans, which initially moved to shut down the southbound right lane between Reef Point Drive and Irvine Cove Drive as a precaution.

“Protecting the traveling public is our top priority, and we are moving urgently to stabilize this slope and reduce the risk of further erosion,” Lan Zhou, Caltrans District 12 director, said in a statement on Oct. 16. “We are taking immediate steps to address the developing cracks while preparing for longer-term repairs. We will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating with our partner agencies as this work progresses.”

Caltrans received approval for $4 million in funding for emergency repairs. The department is working with California State Parks, the California Coastal Commission, Southern California Gas Co., the county of Orange, and the cities of Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.

The initial response to the incident included the use of plastic sheeting to cover the crack in an effort to prevent surface runoff and rainwater from entering it.

Plans also called for the interim stabilization of the slope, using fill buttress at the bottom of the slope and armoring it with large rocks to protect against the threat of further erosion. To help dissipate wave energy, contractors were also asked to build 4-foot-tall temporary protective barriers at the base of the slope.

Caltrans closed the southbound lanes, shifting traffic to one lane in each direction — and reducing the speed limit to 25 miles per hour — in the northbound lanes, as that work began on Tuesday evening.

There is no timeline for the long-term stabilization of the slope, with officials noting that the timeframe will depend on the selected approach.

The roadway serves as an evacuation route to the north for Laguna Beach residents. Some families also use the roadway to commute to El Morro Elementary.

Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff said that police, fire, public works and school district leaders had met to plan for how the lane changes could affect emergency response. He encouraged residents to sign up for Nixle alerts and to know their evacuation routes.

“The safety of everyone traveling Pacific Coast Highway is our top priority,” Laguna Beach city spokesperson Lauren Ezzell said in a statement on Wednesday. “While this stretch of PCH is outside city limits and under Caltrans’ jurisdiction, we know how much Laguna Beach residents rely on it every day.

“City staff are in close contact with Caltrans and California State Parks, and we will keep our community informed about the closure, alternate routes, and Caltrans’ plans to address the issue.”

High surf and powerful waves have caused significant coastal erosion and flooding. Less than two weeks after storm activity from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel flooded parts of Orange County coastal communities, Newport Beach on Monday declared a new local emergency in anticipation of incoming king tides.

“I appreciate Caltrans’ swift action to stabilize the roadway and advance emergency repairs,” Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley said in a statement issued Tuesday. “However, emergency repairs alone cannot protect our coastline. We need more sand replenishment and long-term solutions to safeguard our beaches, critical infrastructure, and coastal communities before the next major storm.”