By admin 
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — Cracks discovered in a coastal bluff near Pacific Coast Highway at Crystal Cove State Park have prompted the closure of one southbound lane leading into Laguna Beach as officials investigate the extent of the damage.
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The cracks were found in the cliff just yards from Pacific Coast Highway. Recent rough surf and heavy swells have eroded the bluff along the highway, raising concerns about the stability of the area.
As a precaution, Caltrans closed the No. 2 southbound lane, the right lane, on Pacific Coast Highway between Reef Point Drive and Irvine Cove Drive. Officials said the closure will remain in place until repairs are completed.
“The closure is related to some potential issues in the shoulder of the road. As you can see in social media videos there is a crack,” said Tom Perez of Laguna Beach Public Works and Utilities. “We have no information as far as how deep or what the extent of the crack is.”
The bluffs are located above Moro Beach, one of the most scenic stretches along Pacific Coast Highway.
The newly discovered cracks come after the area was hit by large swells and high tides. Portions of Crystal Cove State Park, including the historic district, were closed. Visitors staying in 26 beach cottages were evacuated, and state parks staff have continued assessing damage while working to reinforce the coastline.
“It’s insane. The amount of sand erosion, the beaches closing down, the banks where they’re setting up the walls of sand to try to stop the water from coming in, and I guess El Niño hasn’t hit yet, so we’ll see what that brings,” said Jack Van Herpen of Mission Viejo.
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On Tuesday afternoon, Caltrans crews were seen along Pacific Coast Highway assessing conditions and working on both short- and long-term solutions as more significant high tides are forecast in the coming months.
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“Caltrans is working on investigating the issue and determining what course of action they may need to take,” Perez said.
A spokesperson for the state park said the beach area below the affected section of bluff is also closed.
According to Caltrans, the agency is coordinating with California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission to evaluate conditions in the area. Officials are reviewing updated surveys and drone footage as they determine what repairs may be needed and the best course of action moving forward.
“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,” Caltrans said in a statement. “Caltrans remains committed to maintaining the safety of the traveling public.”
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