La Paz Road - Lane Closure

Long-Term Phase II Plan

The identified interim solution, called the 'Long-Term Phase II Plan,' will reopen southbound traffic, between Rancho Niguel Rd and Kings Rd, while addressing various critical elements. Construction for the 'Long-Term Phase II Plan' is anticipated to start in Spring 2024 and is expected to be completed in Fall 2024. Please watch the informative video above to learn more about the construction details. 

Current Road Closure

La Paz Rd Map (05.15.23) Opens in new windowClick image to enlarge. 

On Wednesday, May 17, the City implemented a new traffic control pattern, called the 'Short-Term Phase I Plan', on La Paz Rd that closes off the two southbound travel lanes at Rancho Niguel Rd.
 
The traffic traveling southbound along La Paz Rd is directed into the left turn lane to proceed eastbound along Rancho Niguel Rd to Moulton Pkwy as the detour.  During this time, the northbound lanes along La Paz Rd remain open and unchanged.
 
This closure is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. It allows roadway modifications to be expedited as the City prepares to install a traffic switch allowing two-way traffic on the east side of the La Paz median. This upcoming traffic switch is known as the 'Long-Term Phase II Plan.'  

Current Project Status

On November 7, 2023, the Laguna Niguel City Council approved the plans and specifications for the La Paz Road Long-Term Phase II Project and authorized City staff to advertise the project for bids. Construction of the Long-Term Phase II improvements needed to restore two-way traffic on La Paz Road is estimated to cost $1.5 million. Construction is anticipated to start in Spring 2024 and is expected to be completed in Fall 2024. The map below displays the traffic flow once the Long-Term Phase II Plan is fully implemented. 

La Paz Road Traffic Switch Opens in new windowClick image to enlarge.

'Long-Term Phase II' will serve two-way traffic for an estimated three to five year period while the City continues to aggressively seek grant funding to design and construct the expansive permanent repairs to the roadway and earth movement areas. 

Grant Funding 

The City estimates the repair work on La Paz Road to be a very costly project, approximately $15 to $20 million. Along with continued interagency coordination efforts, the City is in the process of applying for various grants, including a FEMA grant, to design and construct a permanent solution to La Paz Road. The City is hopeful to hear from FEMA sometime in the spring or early summer of 2024. However, the City is actively pursuing other potential grant opportunities to effectively address the issue while minimizing the impact to local taxpayers. 

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Website Button - La Paz Rd Opens in new window

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but your safety is our priority. This page will be actively updated to share the current status of lane closure. For any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (949) 362-4337.

Background 

On Friday, May 5, 2023, the City of Laguna Niguel proclaimed the existence of a local emergency in response to additional earth movement under La Paz Road. While there is no immediate danger to the public, the City is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the public. The emergency proclamation provides the City with the ability to mobilize local resources, accelerate procurement of supplies, and seek future reimbursement by the State and Federal government. 

Upon the declaration of an emergency, City staff retained a consultant to immediately prepare the traffic plan to reroute the traffic between Rancho Niguel Road and Kings Road. Further procurement is underway to make the physical changes to the roadway. These changes to the traffic flow will happen as soon as possible. 

Recent Staff Reports:

  • Please CLICK HERE to read the May 10, 2023 Staff Report.  
  • Please CLICK HERE to read the August 15, 2023 Staff Report.
  • Please CLICK HERE to read the  November 7, 2023 Staff Report. 

Recent Press Releases:

  • Please CLICK HERE to read the Press Release – Laguna Niguel Proclaims Existence of Local Emergency in Response to Recent Earth Movement Under La Paz Road.
  • Please CLICK HERE to read the Press Release - Laguna Niguel City Council Approves Interim Plan to Restore Two-Way Traffic Along Northbound La Paz Road. 

The City is actively coordinating with various agencies to develop a long-term repair plan for the affected area. The City aims to implement a permanent solution that addresses the critical infrastructure and ensures the safety of the public.