Pacific Coast Highway Pavement Rehabilitation Projects
PCH-Draft-Master-Plan-Feasability-Study-Presentation-041625
Benefits
The goal of these Capital Preventive Maintenance (CAPM) projects is to extend the service life of the pavement and improve ride quality for motorists on PCH from Santa Monica to the Los Angeles/Ventura County line.
There are two Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/State Route 1) Pavement Rehabilitation Projects planned in Santa Monica, Los Angeles and Malibu.
Both projects seek to make the following improvements on PCH:
· Rehabilitate pavement
· Upgrade existing ADA Curb Ramps and guardrail system
· Improve lighting at various points for pedestrians
· New sidewalks at multiple bus stop locations
· Update signage
· Class II bike lanes and striping at various locations
· Pedestrian warning signs
Project I: Between Cross Creek Road and the Los Angeles County/Ventura County line in the city of Malibu
Background
This segment of rehabilitation is planned between Cross Creek Road and the Los Angeles County/Ventura County line in the city of Malibu. This project also will incorporate Complete Streets elements and, once complete, about 63 lane miles will be rehabilitated.
Schedule
· Project approval and environmental document: Summer 2019 through June 2022
· Design: Spring 2022 through Fall 2025
· Construction: Summer 2026 through Summer 2028
Cost: $43 million.
Project II: Between the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica to just south of Cross Creek Road in Malibu
Background
This project will rehabilitate about 57 lane miles between the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica to just south of Cross Creek Road in Malibu. It is also a Complete Streets project, meaning the scope aims to increase safety and mobility features for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists to share the road.
Schedule:
· Project approval and environmental document: Summer 2022 through Spring 2025
· Design: Spring 2025 through Winter 2026
· Construction: Summer 2027 through Summer 2029
Cost: $72 million.
Project FAQs
Q: When will the projects start/finish?
A: Construction for the segment between Cross Creek Road and the Los Angeles County/Ventura County line in the city of Malibu is projected to start in summer 2026 with an anticipated completion in summer 2028.
Construction for the segment between the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica to just south of Cross Creek Road in Malibu is projected to start in spring 2027 with an anticipated completion in summer 2029.
Q: What is the cost of the project?
A: The total programmed project costs $43 million for the segment planned between Cross Creek Road and the Los Angeles County/Ventura County line in the city of Malibu and $72 million for the segment between the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica to just south of Cross Creek Road in Malibu.
Q: How do these projects fit into the PCH Master Plan?
A: The pavement rehabilitation projects are separate from the master plan. The pavement rehabilitation projects are part of Caltrans mid-term plans to enhance safety on PCH and the master plan includes long-term solutions. The pavement rehabilitation projects are Capital Maintenance Improvement (CAPM) projects designed to enhance the service life of the highway and maintain the current infrastructure.
Q: How many miles of lanes are being rehabilitated?
A: In total, the two projects will rehabilitate 120.6 lane miles on PCH between the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica and the Los Angeles County/Ventura County line in the city of Malibu.
Q: Will detour routes be posted when closures occur?
A: Yes, Caltrans will inform motorists of detour routes by activating changeable message signs ahead of the closures. Motorists can also check Caltrans District 7’s X and Instagram pages for alerts and quickmap.dot.ca.gov for up-to-date closures and road conditions.
Q: What else is Caltrans working on related to PCH safety?
A: Caltrans is in the process of conducting a traffic safety study for PCH between the cities of Santa Monica and Los Angeles/Ventura County line. One of the objectives of these studies is to identify opportunities to create or enhance complete streets features, such as protected bike lanes, signage, or protections for pedestrians aimed to improve safety and mobility for all users of the route — especially vulnerable road users such as bicyclists and pedestrians. The study will also look to incorporate Complete Streets elements from multiple agencies and planning documents into one document to improve consistency along the corridor across jurisdictions. Motorists must drive safely and responsibly within posted speed limits and laws.
Q: What are the hours, days and times of construction activities?
A: The majority of pavement work will be done overnight, although some work could be done during the daytime as needed. Weekend daytime work is also a possibility. Construction schedules have not been finalized and once construction begins, scheduled closures will be shared on social media.
Q: Will there be full closures of the freeway for this project?
A: No. There will be at least one lane of PCH open in each direction. There will be flaggers and traffic control in effect. Speed limits will be reduced in the work zone. Slow down for workers.
Q: How will this impact public transportation?
A: There will be minimal impacts to public transit. Caltrans will make an announcement if any stops are temporarily moved and work with its partners to accommodate construction schedules.
Q: Will there be noise associated with this project?
A: According to section 14-8.02 in Caltrans’ 2024 Standard Specifications, the nighttime noise level from the contractor’s operations, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., will not exceed 86 A-weighted decibels (dBA) at a distance of 50 feet. According to the Center for Hearing and Communication, this noise level is equivalent to the noise people would experience from a blender, during heavy traffic or at a noisy restaurant. Caltrans District 7 environmental noise and vibration unit will measure noise levels before and during construction to ensure they are in compliance. Noise levels will not exceed state, federal and city regulations.
Q: How will these projects be impacted by the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games?
A: Caltrans remains committed to providing support for a transit-first Olympics in Los Angeles. Construction schedules for these projects will be planned around the Olympic and Paralympic games so as to not impact events or tourism the events will bring to the region.
Recording: March 27 Rehabilitation Project Meeting in Santa Monica
Recording: Draft PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study & PCH Pavement Rehab. Project – 4/9/25
Draft PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study & PCH Pavement Rehab. Project – 4/16/25
Recording: Draft PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study & PCH Pavement Rehab. Project – 5/12/25