By admin CRYSTAL COVE STATE BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — Caltrans is working to fix a massive crack that opened up on an ocean-facing slope along Pacific Coast Highway, near Crystal Cove State Beach in Orange County, where high tides and increasingly active waves are rapidly wearing away the coastal bluffs.
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A drone survey model estimated that the crack extends up to 360 feet in length and reaches a width of up to 24 inches, according to Caltrans.
“As a precautionary measure, Caltrans has closed the southbound right lane of PCH between Reef Point Drive and Irvine Cove Drive, after workers discovered the slope crack at the Moro Beach section of Crystal Cove on Oct. 10,” the agency said in a statement Friday. The closure is expected to remain in place until repairs are completed.
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“Protecting the traveling public is our top priority, and we are moving urgently to stabilize this slope and reduce the risk of further erosion,” said Caltrans District 12 Director Lan Zhou. “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.”
The agency, which is implementing a three-phase strategy to address the slope conditions, has received approval for $4 million in initial funding for emergency repairs along all of PCH. The second phase of the plan is still awaiting approvals, Caltrans a spokesperson said.
Caltrans is coordinating with California State Parks, the California Coastal Commission, the county of Orange, the cities of Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, and SoCalGas on emergency response efforts, according to a statement.
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