Saturday morning showers have led to a significant closure on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Pacific Palisades and Malibu, as mudslides have once again rendered the scenic route impassable. KTLA reports that the affected stretch starts at State Route 27 and extends to Carbon Beach Terrace, where debris was spotted blocking the road following the morning rainfall.
Not only has the highway been closed between the Palisades and Malibu, but the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) has also confirmed to NBC Los Angeles that sections from Carbon Beach Terrace to Coastline Drive are not accessible to residents or passholders, without an estimate on when to expect reopening. The PCH hillsides have been notably unstable since the Palisades Fire, leading to increased vulnerability to such mudslides.
Continued efforts by crews to tend to the aftereffects of the Palisades Fire and perform necessary repairs on PCH mean that, currently, only Pacific Palisades residents, essential businesses, and repair crews can utilize this road. Despite these closures and challenges, Gov. Gavin Newsom has set an expectation for PCH to reopen in time for the summer rush. "I’m deeply mindful how disruptive this has been for residents, for businesses and for those that simply want to enjoy one of the most iconic highways anywhere in the United States," he stated in a video announcement obtained by NBC Los Angeles. The planned reopening will provide one lane for public travel in each direction, with further updates on when full access will be granted yet to be determined.
ABC7 adds that Caltrans has been urgently working to clear the road and is expected to reopen PCH Sunday at 6 a.m., albeit only to residents with burn scar passes, contractors, and emergency responders, along with designated Metro and school buses. They report making good progress, yet the cleanup, particularly at Peña Road, still needs to be completed. In addition to the mudslides affecting PCH, the showers have also left behind happy skiers and snowboarders with fresh snow in higher elevations, while others are dealing with dangerous driving conditions due to slick mountain roads.
