Road failure in Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

The February 28–March 1 storm caused the failure of runoff-control curbing on the Loop Road at Point Loma Nazarene University. Uncontained, the rainwater scoured away the road bed under the west side of the road.

Approximately 25 percent of the Loop Road’s width at the site is undermined. The breach allowed runoff to enter the park and transported sediment downhill across two trails and then to the ocean.

In Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, the Loop Road runs from the city parking lot, across from Point Loma Nazarene University’s maintenance yard, downhill to PLNU’s Young Hall parking areas. The area has been the site of several “quick fixes” to control runoff with higher curbing.

This morning, March 4, PLNU personnel and their contractor placed K rail around the affected area to keep pedestrians and vehicular traffic safe.

San Diego Park and Rec. staff reported to the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council at their monthly meeting that they are working with PLNU to get an emergency permit to make repairs to the road as soon as possible. It is unknown how long the process will take.

Until repairs are made, the road will be narrowed by one-third its width for about 30 yards.