Caltrans begins emergency repairs on Pacific Coast Highway fissure

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has begun emergency work to stabilize a large fissure discovered along a coastal slope beneath the Pacific Coast Highway near Crystal Cove State Park. The crack, located near the Moro Beach section, is estimated to be up to 360 feet long and 2 feet wide.

Caltrans has secured $4 million in emergency funding to address the issue. Initial response efforts included covering the crack with plastic sheeting to prevent rainwater from entering the slope. Current stabilization efforts involve using a fill buttress at the base of the slope, armoring it with large rocks to prevent erosion, and constructing 4-foot-tall temporary barriers to dissipate wave energy.

Traffic has been restricted to one lane in each direction on the affected stretch between Reef Point Drive and Irvine Cove Drive. Caltrans is coordinating with California State Parks, the California Coastal Commission, Southern California Gas Co., Orange County, and the cities of Laguna Beach and Newport Beach to manage the repairs and develop a long-term stabilization plan.