Officials in California have issued a safety warning for drivers after a crack appeared near a section of the Pacific Coast Highway.
KTLA in Los Angeles reported on Tuesday that erosion led to the crack’s formation along a cliffside supporting a portion of the highway near Laguna Beach. Transportation officials told Newsweek that they were asking travelers to obey any detour and speed limit signs for their safety until repair work is completed.
Laguna Beach officials said Wednesday that the affected portion of the highway is outside city limits and is managed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). A Caltrans spokesperson told Newsweek on Wednesday that it was working with agency partners to assess conditions.
“Caltrans is reviewing updated surveys and drone footage to determine the most effective path forward,” they said.
...
The agency said it had closed the southbound right lane on Pacific Coast Highway from Reef Point Drive to Irvine Cove Drive “as a precautionary measure,” and that the closure would remain in place until repairs are completed.
“For the safety of the traveling public and the workers on the roadway, we ask that the public follow all detour and speed limit signs in the area,” the spokesperson said. “Caltrans remains committed to maintaining the safety of the traveling public.”
“Any time that any of these exit routes or entrance routes are compromised, it’s definitely a concern,” Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill said, according to KTLA.
Laguna Beach Public Works and Utilities acting Director Tom Perez said in a social media update on Wednesday that the extent or depth of the crack was unclear. An aerial image from the City of Laguna Beach video showed an irregular crack running through vegetation and exposed soil close to the highway.
“The safety of everyone traveling Pacific Coast Highway is our top priority. While this stretch of [the highway] is outside city limits and under Caltrans' jurisdiction, we know how much Laguna Beach residents rely on it every day,” a statement from the city said, according to KTTV in Los Angeles. “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.”
Newsweek has contacted the city for additional comment.
Local Emergency Previously Declared Amid El Niño Conditions
The crack’s appearance comes after the City of Laguna Beach proclaimed a local emergency on September 10 “in response to coastal erosion and sand loss caused by swell from Hurricane Marie, and the threat of further damage from a forecast very strong El Niño.”
A release from the city at the time said that swell that began on September 2 resulted in significant sand movement and erosion and reported impacts to local infrastructure.
The city said its proclamation enabled immediate work on emergency shoreline protection, sand placement, debris removal, assessments and repairs.
"Most of us have never seen this much sand leave our beaches at once,” City Manager Dave Kiff said in the release. “We expect it to come back, but we are not counting on it, and with a very strong El Niño forecast we need the ability to act quickly to protect homes, beaches and public infrastructure."
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Ben Kelly and Dave Siminoff.