City Debates Control of Laguna Canyon Road as Safety and Cost Loom Large

Laguna Beach is in the middle of an important debate: should the city assume responsibility for Laguna Canyon Road, or let it remain under state control?

The winding corridor serves as one of the community’s main lifelines, connecting inland neighborhoods to the coast and providing a critical evacuation route during wildfires. While some see local ownership as a chance to reshape the road to better serve residents, others warn that taking it on could become a financial trap.

City’s Vision for the Corridor

The city has packaged potential upgrades under an initiative called Protect and Connect, which imagines a safer and more accessible canyon road. Proposed changes include putting overhead utility lines underground, adding bike lanes and sidewalks, and improving intersections with new signals and crosswalks.

For supporters, the project is about more than aesthetics. They see it as a chance to modernize outdated infrastructure, reduce fire risk, and make the road safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Town Hall Draws a Crowd

Those ideas were at the heart of a recent town hall at City Hall, where residents filled the room to hear the latest on the city’s talks with Caltrans.

City Manager Dave Kiff explained that the process is ongoing and far from final. The California Transportation Commission would need to approve the transfer, and the City Council would have to accept it.

“We’re not there yet,” Kiff said. “This is a negotiation. Caltrans sets a dollar figure they believe reflects the cost of bringing the roadway into good condition, and then it’s up to us whether to agree.”

So far, Caltrans has put that figure at $14.4 million, with a possible transfer date around mid-2028 if everything moves forward.

Residents Voice Concerns

Following the city’s presentation, residents had 90 minutes to weigh in. The reaction revealed deep divides.

Some felt the risks were too high. A consultant’s report five years ago projected the full slate of canyon upgrades could cost $140 to $150 million — and inflation has only pushed that number higher.

“I’d rather the city leave things as they are,” resident Pat Menne said. “We already have strong fire prevention measures in place. Taking ownership just exposes us to more liability.”

Others questioned whether construction would choke off tourism revenue or argued that certain improvements, like bike paths, may not benefit the broader community.

“It looks like Caltrans is trying to dump this on us,” said resident Nick Aronoff. “This road could become a money pit for the city.”

Safety Still Front and Center

Data presented at the meeting underscored that Laguna Canyon Road is no stranger to danger. More than half of injury crashes there involve speeding, while others stem from unsafe turns or impaired driving.

Kiff emphasized that the city has not committed to taking over the road and will continue to examine alternatives. Regardless of who controls it, he said, reducing wildfire hazards by removing roadside utility poles remains a top priority.

“One path forward is to keep negotiating with Caltrans while demanding more answers about liability and costs,” Kiff noted. “If those answers don’t come, the city still has the option to walk away.”