See it: Large crack in ground forms on shoulder of iconic Southern California highway
Aerial video from FOX 11 Los Angeles shows a large crack in the ground extending several yards off the shoulder of the highway.
Large crack forms on shoulder of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California
The southbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is closed after a large crack formed just off the shoulder of the highway. Video shows the crack as well as debris falling into the ocean.
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.– A southbound lane of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway is closed for an unknown amount of time after a crack formed off the shoulder of the road in Laguna Beach.
California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) said the closure stretches from Irvine Cove to Reef Point Drive in Laguna Beach.
A close up of the crack
(FOX 11 Los Angeles / FOX 11)
Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff and Acting Public Works Director Tom Perez said in an update on Tuesday afternoon that it's unknown when the lane will reopen again.
Aerial video from FOX 11 Los Angeles shows a large crack in the ground extending several yards off the shoulder of the highway.
A photo showing the crack, with a red line drawn around the affected area.
(FOX 11 Los Angeles / FOX 11)
Kiff and Perez said CalTrans has not confirmed how deep or how long the crack extends, nor the exact cause of the crack forming.
Southern California has taken a beating this summer with El Niño continuing to fuel a very active Pacific hurricane season, fueling coastal erosion as tropical systems cause high surf and crashing waves.
'HISTORIC' EL NIÑO INCREASINGLY LIKELY, WITH 83% CHANCE OF BECOMING THE STRONGEST ON RECORD
Tropical Storm Rachel was the most recent culprit, causing coastal flooding, massive waves and beach erosion throughout Southern California.
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: In an aerial view, people watch from a home as a Pacific Ocean wave crashes into a seawall amid powerful surf on October 9, 2026 in Long Beach, California
(Mario Tama / Getty Images)
While videoing the crack in the ground, FOX 11 Los Angeles captured dirt cascading off the side of the cliff into the ocean below.
This stretch of land is managed by CalTrans. Laguna Beach City staff said they are in close contact with CalTrans and California State Parks regarding the crack.
WHAT IS COASTAL EROSION AND WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?
Debris falling off the shoulder of Pacific Coast Highway
(FOX 11 Los Angeles / FOX 11)
The crack and lane closure is expected to significantly affect those traveling on the highway, Laguna Beach staff said.
The Pacific Coast Highway has seen its fair share of problems in recent years, either from damage caused by mudslides and flash flooding or wildfires.
FOX Weather will continue to follow this story as it develops.