Bluff crack prompts lane closure on Pacific Coast Highway near Laguna Beach

Officials closed one southbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway near Laguna Beach on Tuesday after a large crack was found in a coastal bluff supporting the road, according to NBC Los Angeles. The precautionary closure stretches between El Morro Canyon and Irvine Cove.

Laguna Beach officials advised drivers to allow extra travel time and warned that the closure could last beyond the next several days. The disruption follows high surf that eroded portions of the Orange County coastline and prompted temporary beach park closures.

The crack is near the lifeguard headquarters at Crystal Cove State Park, just beyond Laguna Beach's city limits, NBC Los Angeles reported.

Caltrans crews inspected the bluff Tuesday to assess the damage and determine what repairs might be needed. The southbound lane was closed as a precaution during that assessment, according to the report.

Laguna Beach officials warned motorists to plan for additional travel time. They said the restriction could remain in place beyond the next several days, NBC Los Angeles reported.

Recent high surf caused coastal erosion and led to temporary closures at Crystal Cove State Park and San Onofre State Beach. The report did not establish when the bluff crack formed.

The timing of any repairs remained uncertain. NBC Los Angeles reported that it was not immediately clear how long the work might take.