The two-day operation will quickly restore slope protection without closing PCH
Malibu ― Caltrans is conducting a helicopter operation on Wednesday and Thursday (July 30-31) above Pacific Coast Highway to install rock mesh on a portion of cliff about a half mile north of Big Rock Drive. This is a needed part of slope restoration work resulting from 2023 winter storm damage.
Helicopter and ground crews will install heavy mesh over a large portion of cliffside above PCH slightly north of the bus stops near the former Moonshadows Restaurant, 20356 Pacific Coast Highway. Once installed, the mesh will serve as a protective system to catch rocks and debris. The work is part of an emergency project Caltrans started following winter storm damage in late 2023 but was delayed due to the 2025 Palisades Fire and additional winter storms.
No lane closures on PCH will be required during this project. However, the helicopter will likely draw attention to those in the area, which could cause slowdowns. During this project, the public will notice a large helicopter making multiple trips across the landscape from a lift site to the job site as it installs the mesh. Motorists are asked to drive with caution and be alert through the area.
Travelers and residents can expect the work to occur during business hours, starting as early as 7 a.m. and going as late as 5 p.m. both days. Crews will post changeable message signs on the highway this weekend to alert motorists of the upcoming work. Signs will remain on the road as a precaution up to and throughout the operation.
This two-day procedure aims to quickly complete the slope restoration work. Without a helicopter, installing this mesh section would take ground crews several weeks and require more lane closures on PCH.
The helicopter’s flight path (see map below) is planned to minimize disruption to the area, avoiding traffic lanes or city streets and instead will pass over adjacent slopes and cliffsides.
Most buildings near the lift site and flight path are currently unoccupied due to the recent wildfires. However, crews will conduct door-to-door outreach on Monday to alert residents in the Big Rock area that are within a 500-foot radius of the flight path. They will do so again Wednesday and Thursday morning to notify any residents who may be onsite. All marked buildings must be vacated during the operation.
Caltrans reminds motorists that this stretch of PCH is part of an active work zone between Santa Monica and Malibu as Caltrans, USACE and various contractors complete recovery work. Motorists should use caution in the area, expect delays and be alert for construction and recovery workers.
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