The Pacific Coast Expressway reopened for the first time in a major post-milestone on Friday since Palisades Fire incinerated its waterfront homes and businesses in January.
The reopening of the 11-mile PCH will provide more access to Malibu and Pacific Palisades and will reduce commuting for those trying to get to Los Angeles from Ventura County and West Valley.
According to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the reopening also marks an important step in Palisades' recovery efforts.
At 8 a.m. Friday, authorities opened a lane in both directions. However, officials urged drivers to be cautious as road workers are still working in the area. The speed limit has been reduced to 25 mph, and traffic lights on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Big Rock Drive, La Costa Beach Club and Carbon Canyon Road are set to flashing red, meaning the driver must stop.
“The reopening of the Pacific Coast Expressway marks an important step in Malibu's continued recovery from recent wildfires. Although significant challenges remain, this development helps restore limited access to coastal residents and travelers,” Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins said in a statement.
Traffic is expected to be very heavy this Memorial Day weekend when people head to the regional beaches.
Motorists may also experience severe safety presence as authorities continue to restrict access to combustion areas. Malibu City Council on Wednesday approved a contract with a private security company to provide armed patrols to communities ravaged by fires in Palisades and Franklin in a bid to reopen on the highway.
“In California, we’re done with work, and it’s been a period,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “We are opening PCH early, and we can do that before Memorial Day advances, before Angelenos gets on the road. We are able to do it thanks to the unremitting efforts of hundreds of construction and road crews and with the help of our Army Corps of Engineers partners.”
This is a developing story that will be updated.
