Traffic Will Be Impacted as Caltrans and the USACE Conduct Cleanup
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced updated lane closures on State Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu starting Saturday, May 31, to accommodate continued recovery work following the Palisades Fire.
Beginning this weekend, the southbound lanes of PCH will be reduced to a single lane at various locations between Carbon Beach Terrace and Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27). The lane reduction will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to conduct cleanup operations on fire-damaged properties. Closures will be in place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
Separately, one lane of northbound PCH will be closed near Big Rock Drive on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. as the city of Malibu completes emergency drainage pipe repairs. The pipeline, which was destroyed in the Palisades Fire, is being removed and replaced to restore proper stormwater management in the area.
Although PCH between Santa Monica and Malibu reopened to the public on May 23 after a five-month closure, the stretch remains an active construction zone. The closure followed months of damage caused by the Palisades Fire and subsequent winter storms that triggered flooding and debris flows.
Motorists are advised to expect traffic delays and observe the 25 mph speed limit within the work zone. Caltrans has reminded drivers that fines are subject to doubling in construction areas and urged caution to protect roadside workers and equipment.
