Two lanes of Pacific Coast Highway south of Big Rock Drive were closed on Monday due to roadway damage caused by a private contractor drilling under the highway, according to Caltrans.
The drilling work caused a “bulge in the roadway,” forcing the closure of one lane in each direction, Caltrans spokesman Patrick Chandler said. He said the contracting company, which was working on a private residential construction project, hit a large rock while drilling under the road, causing the damage.
The lane closures were expected to last until 8 a.m. Tuesday, and traffic delays are expected.
“This could cause some serious backup,” Chandler said.
Chandler said the damaging work was done solely by a private contractor, and it was not related to a nearby Caltrans wave-breaker project at Las Tunas Beach.
