Pacific Coast Highway/State Route 1 Palisades Fire Emergency Repairs

STATUS

Crews began recovery and repair work on Sunday, January 12, along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), between Temescal Canyon Road and Carbon Beach Terrace.

After extended closures and limited access to an 8.5-mile stretch of PCH between Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles and Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu, to support the heavy recovery work and debris removal efforts, PCH reopened for public use with traffic controls on May 23.

As part of the reopening of PCH to the public, Caltrans implemented traffic control measures for the safety of motorists, crews, and first responders as it is an active work zone. Motorists should expect major delays on PCH. Caltrans strongly advises motorists to allow extra time for their commutes and recommends avoiding the area if you can.

The following modifications and safety measures are in place:

• PCH will have up to two lanes each direction with lane shifts where repair work continues. The speed limit is 25 miles per hour.
  • On northbound PCH, the shoulder is closed near Tuna Canyon, Peña and Las Flores roads to allow Southern California Edison to underground power utilities for further resiliency.
  • On southbound PCH, the right lane is subject to closure between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily for debris removal and repair work.
• There will only be one lane through the McClure Tunnel from westbound I-10 to northbound PCH. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour in the McClure Tunnel.
• There is no parking or stopping allowed in the work zone.
• Signalized intersections at 2 locations are on flashing red. Please remember to treat these as an all-way stop, even if the intersection is dark due to a power outage.
  • Big Rock Drive
  • La Costa Beach Club (Pedestrian Crossing)
• There are portable changeable message signs indicating that this is an "active construction zone." Please remember there may be slow vehicles moving in and out of the lanes.

Caltrans reminds motorists that traffic fines can be doubled in an active work zone. Law enforcement will be citing motorists. Motorists should use caution driving through the area and should slow down for workers.

Caltrans will be conducting slope repair just north of Big Rock Drive and just below the Getty Villa. Private contractors may be working to safely rebuild properties along PCH and debris hauling trucks will be entering PCH from Pacific Palisades.

As partner agencies work to remove fire and storm debris, there may be times where a hard closure is still necessary. Caltrans will give notice of these closures.

BENEFITS

Caltrans is taking the following measures to restore the highway and prevent any long-term damage to the highway:

• Removing burned debris;
• Installing K-rail;
• Replacing damaged guardrail;
• Clearing drainage lines;
• Replacing damaged fencing;
• Restoring and repairing retaining walls;
• Restoring slope and slope drapery protection systems;
• Applying erosion control at affected slopes;
• Demolition, construction and replacement of buildings and assets at Las Flores Maintenance Station.

Photos of Fire Burn Area