Pacific Coast Highway Faces Erosion Threat from Storms and El Niño

Crews are working to reinforce sections of California's Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) threatened by coastal erosion from recent storms and the anticipated impact of an El Niño winter. In Malibu, Caltrans is constructing a protective rock wall along Highway 1 at Thornhill Broome Beach after a section of the roadway was washed out.

This effort involves placing large rocks along the shoreline to prevent further erosion of the highway. Excavators and bulldozers have been observed moving earth and boulders in the area. Caltrans describes rock slope protection as a standard method for defending transportation infrastructure and the public from erosion.

High tides are already impacting travel along the same stretch of Highway 1, where shoulder work is ongoing and traffic patterns have been adjusted. The California Highway Patrol has urged drivers to slow down and move over when safe to protect workers.

Further south in Orange County, another section of PCH near Laguna Beach is also experiencing issues. A significant crack has appeared in the bluff beneath the highway near El Morro, leading to concerns about erosion threatening the road. Caltrans has closed one southbound lane of PCH between Irvine Cove and Reef Point Drive for emergency work.

Caltrans spokesperson Christianne Smith advised the public to follow detour and speed limit signs in the affected areas for safety.

Local resident Blair Conklin documented the expanding crack in a video, noting the rapid escalation of the cliffside erosion. He expressed concern that the highway itself could be at risk.

The repairs and protective measures are being implemented as California prepares for a potentially severe El Niño winter. The state has already declared a state of emergency in anticipation of heavy storms, high sea levels, and elevated tides that could exacerbate coastal erosion and flooding.