Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP / Getty Images
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Saturday that Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) will reopen by the end of May, months ahead of schedule. This reopening is part of California's intensified recovery efforts following the Palisades Fire. The highway, a crucial route for connecting Los Angeles with coastal communities like Pacific Palisades and Malibu, has been closed to the public since the fire, accessible only to residents, essential businesses, and repair crews.
The expedited timeline is made possible through a collaborative effort between the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Caltrans, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Over 100 USACE crews are working around the clock to clear debris, demolish damaged structures, and repair roadways. They are currently removing nearly 1,300 truckloads of debris per day.
Once reopened, PCH will have one lane available in each direction for public travel. Security checkpoints at the closure's north and south ends will be removed, but an increased law enforcement presence will remain to ensure safety. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of reopening PCH for daily life and local businesses, stating, "Reopening PCH is a top priority, and we are going all-in to get this done."
The reopening is expected to support businesses and boost tourism as summer approaches.