Following a spate of fatal accidents on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), California's transportation chief took action by joining forces with Malibu officials to bring change to the treacherous roadway. On a recent visit, Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin, along with other state and local leaders, conducted a hands-on inspection of the conditions that have led to heartbreaking losses, such as the four Pepperdine students who died in a high-speed collision in October.
During his tour, Omishakin made it clear that the state was committed to swiftly putting together a plan aimed at improving safety along PCH. According to Malibu City's announcement, the site of the Pepperdine students' crash was a particularly poignant stop on the tour, driving home the importance of their mission.
In response to these dangers, $4.25 million has already been earmarked for urgent infrastructure upgrades, meant to make the scenic route safer for everyone. This injection of funds, delivered by a Caltrans "Director's Order," seeks to put an end to the string of tragedies that have marred the highway's reputation.
Additionally, starting January 1, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will begin to more aggressively enforce traffic laws in the area. Commissioner Sean Duryee has announced the creation of a three-officer task force dedicated solely to maintaining order and preventing anyone from having to needlessly suffer a similar fate. Malibu has expressed its deep appreciation for the state's proactive stance in tackling the highway's safety issues.
Among the attendants besides Omishakin and Duryee were a slew of state and local dignitaries, including Caltrans Director Gloria Roberts and Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring. "We’re thankful for the productive tour with Secretary Omishakin and State leaders and appreciate that we’re getting something done to make PCH safe and avoid future tragedies," Mayor Uhring told the gathering. The city's webpage provides an overview of the PCH safety improvement efforts and the list of projects slated for completion under the Director's Order.
