Months of pounding surf have left a massive crack in the cliff supporting California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway, raising concerns that more of the coastal roadway could be at risk as El Niño strengthens.
The damage near Laguna Beach, next to the Crystal Cove State Park lifeguard headquarters, forced Caltrans to close one southbound lane between El Morro Canyon and Irvine Cove.
LONG TERM CLOSURE EXPECTED: The #2 lane of Southbound Pacific Coast Highway between El Morro Canyon and Irvine Cove near Laguna Beach will be closed indefinitely due to a crack forming along the bluff. Please use caution when traveling through the area and expect delays. pic.twitter.com/JGxAj4Tlxm
— CHP Capistrano Area (@CHPCapistrano) October 14, 2026
The closure is expected to last several days or longer, with no reopening timeline announced.
State Parks has already closed portions of Crystal Cove and San Onofre State Beach following damaging surf from Tropical Storm Rachel…