California Pacific Coast Highway Reopens Ahead Memorial Day After Palisades Fire

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), closed since the Palisades Fire due to extensive damage and mudslides, is set to reopen ahead of schedule on Friday morning, just before the Memorial Day weekend. Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the rapid cleanup and reconstruction effort involving over 100 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crews, who removed approximately 1,284 truckloads of debris daily to restore the vital coastal route connecting Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and beyond. Two lanes in each direction will reopen, with safety measures including a 25 mph speed limit and 24-hour LAPD checkpoints to protect ongoing cleanup work and ensure security. The reopening is expected to relieve significant economic strain on local businesses and revive tourism in the affected areas. Despite the accelerated timeline, some details about security plans remain unsettled, with city and state officials coordinating on final preparations. This reopening marks an important milestone in the region's recovery, providing a key transportation link and supporting the local economy.