PCH To Reopen Between Malibu, Santa Monica Ahead Of Holiday Weekend

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Pacific Coast Highway between Malibu and Santa Monica will reopen to the public Friday morning for the first time since the Jan. 7 Palisades Fire. For many Angelenos, the reopening feels like removing bandages to uncover a scar just beginning to heal.

An 11-mile stretch of the iconic highway hugging the coast will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday after being limited to first responders and residents for most of the year.

Motorists on the highway are likely to still encounter a heavy security presence as authorities continue to restrict access into the Palisades Fire burn area. They'll also see signs of loss across a landscape dramatically changed by the monster fire.

The open comes slightly earlier than expected.

Gov. Gavin Newsom had previously announced that the roadway between Malibu and Santa Monica would be reopened by the end of May. Newsom hailed the planned Friday reopening as a major step forward in the fire-recovery effort.

"In California, we get stuff done, period," Newsom said in a statement ."We're opening the PCH back up early, with more lanes before Angelenos hit the road this Memorial Day. We are able to do this thanks to the tireless work of hundreds of construction and road crews and with help from our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers."

According to the governor's office, Mayor Karen Bass has instructed the Los Angeles Police Department to step up deployment of officers in the area, including staffing checkpoints around the clock. A 25 mph speed limit will also remain in effect.

"The reopening of Pacific Coast Highway marks an important step forward in our recovery effort in the Palisades, which is on track to be the fastest in state history," Bass said in a statement. "I thank Governor Newsom, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and partners at all levels of government for their partnership and collaboration as we work around the clock to get families home and businesses reopened.

"As Pacific Coast Highway reopens, we will continue to protect the safety and security of Palisades neighborhoods through a strict security plan established in coordination with the state. All of us have a shared goal -- to ensure residents can safely and quickly rebuild and return to their community. We will continue working together toward that goal and recommit to clearing any barrier that stands in the way of recovery."

Army Corps of Engineers crews have been prioritizing efforts to clear fire-damaged properties along PCH to hasten the reopening of the route, according to the governor's office.

"I'm extremely proud of our teams and partners whose relentless dedication has led to the successful completion of more than 5,500 properties -- representing over half of all currently eligible properties in both areas impacted by these devastating wildfires," Brig. Gen. William Hannan, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Task Force Phoenix, said in a statement. "Clearing critical areas along the Pacific Coast Highway has been particularly vital, given its sensitive ecological importance and its role as a lifeline for local communities. This effort exemplifies our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community resilience."

Motorists were advised to use caution while driving on PCH due to the continued presence of debris-clearance crews and other first responders. Drivers should anticipate significant delays on the popular route due to speed restrictions and traffic volumes.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.