Pacific Coast Highway reopens, clearing traffic bottleneck

In a major post-fire milestone Friday, Pacific Coast Highway reopened to traffic for the first time since the Palisades fire incinerated homes and businesses along the oceanfront in January.

The reopening of an 11-mile stretch of PCH will offer greater access to Malibu and Pacific Palisades and may ease commutes for those trying to get to Los Angeles from Ventura County and the west Valley.

The reopening also marks an important step forward in recovery efforts in the Palisades, according to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

At 8 a.m. Friday, authorities opened one lane of traffic in both directions. However, officials urged drivers to be cautious since road crews are still doing work in the area. The speed limit has been reduced to 25 mph and traffic signals at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Big Rock Drive, La Costa Beach Club and Carbon Canyon Road are set for flashing red, meaning drivers will have to stop.

“The reopening of Pacific Coast Highway marks an important step in Malibu’s ongoing recovery from the recent wildfires. While significant challenges remain, this development helps restore limited access for residents and travelers along the coast,” Malibu Mayor Mayor Marianne Riggins said in a statement.

Traffic is expected to be very heavy this Memorial Day weekend as people head to area beaches.

Motorists are also likely to encounter a heavy security presence as authorities continue to restrict access into the burn areas. The Malibu City Council on Wednesday approved a contract with a private security firm to provide armed patrols to neighborhoods ravaged by the Palisades and Franklin fires in anticipation of the highway reopening.

“In California, we get stuff done, period,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “We’re opening the PCH back up early, with more lanes before Angelenos hit the road this Memorial Day. We are able to do this thanks to the tireless work of hundreds of construction and road crews and with help from our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.