PCH Closure: Restrictions Will Be Eased This Week

MALIBU, CA — An 8-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that was closed amid last week's storm will reopen for residents and some businesses on Thursday, Caltrans announced..

PCH between Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades and Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu is under a "soft closure" following a series of storms that brought mudslides and debris flows to the area.

Under the closure, only emergency personnel, contractors, and utility workers are allowed in the closed portion.

But on Thursday at 6 a.m., the stretch will reopen for Palisades and Malibu residents, essential businesses and school bus traffic, Caltrans announced Wednesday.

Those accessing PCH will be required to procure an "access pass." Caltrans said Wednesday the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Los Angeles Police Department will release information about that soon.

PCH will be reduced to one lane in each direction with a 25 mph speed limit between Chautauqua Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace.

Traffic signals in the area will be flashing red. Motorists should treat the intersections as four-way stops, even if the traffic lights are not illuminated due to a power outage.

There is no parking, no stopping and no pedestrians allowed in the work zone.

There is one lane through the McClure Tunnel from the westbound 10 Freeway to northbound PCH, and one lane entering northbound PCH from the California Incline. Motorists should expect delays where these two lanes merge into one lane.

The lane closures along PCH allow for utility workers, debris haulers and wildfire-recovery contractors to work safely, Caltrans said.

While restrictions on the road are loosening, officials are urging motorists to limit travel on PCH and seek alternate routes. Malibu visitors should travel to the area via the 101 Freeway and Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon roads or Kanan Dume Road.