What's Traffic Like On Main Beach And Coast Highway? Take A Look

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — On any given day from April 1 through Memorial Day, traffic into Laguna Beach is going to be hectic. The city is conducting a mandatory box culvert replacement, heading off major damage that would have come if the eroding section of road would have crumbled.

Still, it's causing major headaches.

"The box culvert that runs underneath Coast Highway at Main Beach carries stormwater from the Downtown area and is necessary to protect Downtown properties from flooding," a city spokesperson wrote on their website. "The culvert is now 100 years old, and the concrete inside the culvert is crumbling, exposing corroded rebar."

To ensure the stability of the culvert and for the safety of drivers using Coast Highway, the culvert is being replaced. The traffic impacts to the city are legendary.

Phase 1 Construction Activities

• April 1-9: Sawcut and remove pavement and channel.
• April 8 & 10: Roadway closures in both directions are scheduled on Coast Highway from 8 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Traffic detours will be in place via local streets.
• April 12-17: Set Precast boxes and build transition cast-in-place box
• April 19-22: Backfill and pave roadway

Phase 2 Construction Activities

• April 23-28: Sawcut and remove pavement and channel
• May 4-13: Set Precast boxes and build transition cast in-place box
• May 14-22: Backfill and pave roadway
• May 23: Complete sidewalk
• May 24: Stripe roadway

"Caltrans appreciates the public’s patience while we perform this work," they said in a statement.

Signage will be posted to notify drivers of the closure.

Work schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues. Stay abreast of all changes at the City of Laguna Beach's website.