PCH to reopen by end of May, Newsom says
Closed section of PCH to reopen by end of May
The Pacific Coast Highway, which was closed following the Palisades Fire, will reopen to public travel by the end of May – months ahead of schedule.
LOS ANGELES - California Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday announced an expedited cleanup effort to reopen the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) by the end of May, ahead of initial predictions.
This initiative aims to support businesses and tourism by restoring a crucial transportation route connecting Los Angeles with coastal communities.
What we know:
State Route 1 (PCH), is a major artery serves hundreds of thousands of Angelenos and international visitors daily, connecting Los Angeles with Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and points north.
Currently, PCH is accessible only to residents in the Palisades Fire burn area, essential businesses, and repair crews.
The reopening plan involves collaboration between the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Caltrans, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
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Crews will work 24/7 to clear debris, demolish damaged structures, remove toxic materials, repair roadways, and install new utility equipment.
More than 100 USACE crews are currently removing approximately 1,284 truckloads of debris per day.
What's next:
Once cleanup is complete, PCH will reopen with one lane available in each direction for public travel.
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Security checkpoints at the north and south ends of the closure will be removed, but an increased law enforcement presence from state and local agencies will remain to ensure safety and order, officials said.
What we don't know:
It's unclear when the second lane of the PCH will reopen in both directions.
The Source: Information for this story is from a press release published by the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom on April 12, 2025.