Pacific Coast Highway reopened to all traffic Friday morning, marking a major recovery milestone following months of closure due to the devastating Palisades Fire.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced earlier this week that the iconic highway would reopen at 8 a.m. Friday, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend and ahead of the end-of-May target set last month.
Up to two lanes are now open in each direction, with a 25 mph speed limit through active work zones.
The reopening restores access to Malibu’s beaches and communities after months of limited mobility along the coast. PCH had been closed since January, when mudslides and fire debris rendered it impassable in key segments.
The early reopening was made possible through coordinated efforts among Caltrans, the California National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Los Angeles County agencies, officials said.
“The reopening of Pacific Coast Highway marks an important step in Malibu’s ongoing recovery from the recent wildfires,” Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins said Thursday. “The City remains focused on ensuring public safety as we enter the summer season.”
Highway 27/Topanga Canyon Boulevard also reopened to the public Friday morning from PCH to Grand View Drive.
Access is limited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with construction remaining ongoing. Flaggers will be on site to direct one-way traffic and delays are expected.
Traffic signals at several PCH intersections, including Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Big Rock Drive, are operating in flashing red mode, requiring drivers to treat them as all-way stops. Additional work continues on the southbound side of PCH, where the right lane may close between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for debris removal.
Visitors are advised to plan ahead, expect delays, and use alternate routes like Malibu Canyon and Kanan Dume roads when possible.
City officials also urge travelers to avoid stopping in burn areas and to respect local residents still recovering from the fire.