Caltrans halts resurfacing project

Caltrans’ $1.8 million Coast Highway roadway pavement rehabilitation project in Laguna Beach has been suspended until March because of expected cold and wet weather during the winter months, Caltrans announced today.

Laguna Beach city officials had asked that the project be halted during the holiday season, according to City Manager Ken Frank.

The project has been under way over a five mile stretch on both sides of the highway from Vista del Sol to Aster Street, causing traffic jams and long waits for motorists.

In a press statement, Caltrans said that slurry seal material used for the project requires specific temperatures to be applied and settle, and the cold weather conditions make it impossible to produce a quality result.

The state agency said the project would not have normally started so near the holiday season, but the work was required to start immediately as a condition of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or stimulus, funding.

When the work resumes, the entire road from Aster Street to the South City limits will get another coat of slurry seal to provide a smooth surface.

In the meantime, temporary striping will be placed for safety, which will be done during the night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Caltrans stated.