Nightly lane closures on Pacific Coast Highway are squeezing South Bay beach access during a week that's stacking hazards: the final stretch of the International Surf Festival, an incoming extreme heat warning, and dangerous Hurricane Genevieve surf already hitting local shores.
Caltrans began single right-lane closures on PCH between Redondo Beach and Santa Monica on Monday, July 27, according to MyNewsLA. The closures run Monday through Friday, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and will continue nightly through Friday, August 14. The work covers pavement rehabilitation and ADA sidewalk improvements.
PCH remains fully open during daytime hours.
What it means for the Surf Festival
The 63rd International Surf Festival runs Wednesday, July 29, through Sunday, August 2, across Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Torrance. As we reported Tuesday, the festival draws thousands of spectators to South Bay beaches for surfing, volleyball, paddleboarding, and sand castle competitions. Residents heading home from evening events along the coast will hit single-lane traffic on PCH through Saturday, August 1.
Heat and surf compound the problem
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for Los Angeles County effective Friday, July 31, at 10 a.m. through Sunday, August 2, at 8 p.m., with temperatures expected to reach 95 to 110 degrees. The NWS warned that heat hazards may extend into the following week.
That heat will push crowds toward the beach at the same time Hurricane Genevieve's swell is making the water dangerous. As we reported Tuesday, a High Surf Advisory is in effect through 5 p.m. Saturday, August 1, with 4- to 6-foot surf expected at Manhattan Beach and other L.A. County beaches. A Coastal Flood Advisory warns of extreme evening high tides near 7 feet, with potential flooding of parking lots, parks, and roads through 3 a.m. Saturday.
LA County lifeguards recorded 1,950 rescues the weekend of July 25–26 as Tropical Storm Fausto's swell arrived. Pono Barnes, LA County Fire Department lifeguard spokesman, told the Orange County Register on Tuesday, July 28, that conditions pose "definite risk to swimmers," citing elevated surf and extremely elevated rip currents.
Barnes said lifeguard agencies across Los Angeles County are fully staffed for the week ahead.
What drivers should know
The PCH closures affect only the right lane and only overnight. Daytime commuters and beachgoers will not encounter construction traffic. However, residents returning from evening Surf Festival events or late beach trips should expect delays on PCH between Redondo Beach and Santa Monica through August 14.
No official alternate route has been announced by Caltrans. Drivers commonly use Sepulveda Boulevard and inland surface streets as north-south alternatives when PCH is congested, though no agency has designated a formal detour.
The National Weather Service advises beachgoers to swim near lifeguard towers, stay off jetties and rocks during the high surf period, and never turn their back on the ocean. The closures are scheduled to wrap up August 14.
