Pacific Coast Highway to Remain Closed for Safety
Only Essential Workers and Palisades Residents with Passes Allowed
Los Angeles — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in coordination with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPW), has determined State Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) needs to remain closed until further notice for safety.
Debris flows occurred during this week’s storms, including a significant slide north of Big Rock Drive. A geotechnical assessment observed slippage along the hill below Porto Marina Way. Slides may also occur in between storms, after the soil has been softened.
Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted moderate risk of heavy rain for Feb. 12 through 14. LACPW’s debris basins are 80 percent full and must be cleared in advance of next week’s storms.
PCH will remain closed to all but essential workers – first responders, recovery agencies, and utility companies. The closure points will remain from Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu, with Palisades residents still able to access homes via Chautauqua Boulevard with appropriate passes.
Caltrans and our partners in law enforcement and LACPW, are sensitive to the impact of PCH’s on the communities of Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Malibu. The decision to remain closed is part of preemptive measures in response to and in preparation for additional rain.
This closure also increases safety for emergency, utility, and waste hauler workers to continue operating in the area. The following work will be taking place along PCH during the closure:
· Contractors must place steel plates to protect the slope along Porto Marina Way.
· LACPW is hauling out debris.
· Emergency workers continue clearing debris from the highway.
· Placement of k-rail at key locations.
The closure status will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. NWS predicts the next storm front will be stronger, with a 50 percent chance of moderate amounts of rain (1 to 2 inches in the coasts and valleys; 2 to 4 inches in the mountains and foothills) and advises preparation for debris flows that could impact roads and structures. Residents who have sheltered in place may be directed to evacuate if additional material comes down.
Caltrans is implementing traffic controls for the safety of motorists, repair crews and first responders. Motorists should find alternate routes and plan to avoid the area if possible. It is necessary maintain the closure due to hills made bare from the recent fires and to protect motorists. Caltrans aims to allow people to return to their properties as soon as it is safely possible to continue their work on slope restoration and property repairs that allow for safe rebuilding.
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