State Route 1 Adaptation Planning Study at Bolsa Chica and Crystal Cove

Overview and Study Goals

Caltrans District 12 is developing a long‑term plan to protect two iconic stretches of State Route 1 (SR-1), also known as Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), along Bolsa Chica State Beach and Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County. These areas already experience periodic flooding and roadway closures, and future coastal hazards are expected to intensify these challenges.

The study focuses on understanding how conditions such as king tides, storms, wave overtopping, rising groundwater, tsunamis, and coastal erosion may affect safety, public access, transportation reliability, and Caltrans roadway assets. By evaluating these risks now, Caltrans can plan to keep PCH operating safely and resiliently for decades to come.

Two locations are included in the study:

  • Bolsa Chica: PCH between Seapoint Street and Warner Avenue
  • Crystal Cove: PCH from 300 feet north of Moro Ridge Road to Moro Campground

The goal is to identify practical adaptation strategies that can be implemented over time as coastal conditions change. These strategies will help guide future project funding, design, and construction to ensure that this treasured coastal corridor remains accessible to residents, visitors, and emergency responders.

This study is separate from the broader PCH Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan (CARP), which examines other segments of the Pacific Coast Highway in Orange County.

Study Timeline

Study timeline showing Existing Conditions & Coastal Hazards Analysis starting Fall 2025, Concept Development starting Summer 2026, and Draft Final Study Review starting Winter 2027

 

Study Location

 

Map showing study locations along PCH at Crystal Cove and Bolsa Chica

Get Involved!

The planning process will offer several ways for you to learn more and provide input as the Plan is developed. Information about upcoming engagement activities will be posted on this website.

General Comments
Please submit any overall comments about this effort here.

Contact Information

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Caltrans makes every attempt to ensure our documents are accessible. Due to variances between assistive technologies, there may be portions of documents which are not accessible. Where documents cannot be made accessible, we are committed to providing alternative access to the content. Should you need additional assistance, please contact us at (916) 654-2852 or visit https://dot.ca.gov/request-ada-compliant-documents.

Need another way to comment?

Email us at: 12-bcch_survey@publicinput.com.

To leave a voicemail comment: Call, 855-925-2801 and enter project code 5039#