Pacific Coast Highway Reopens Malibu, Los Angeles After Palisades Fire

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Malibu and Santa Monica is set to reopen to all traffic at 8 a.m. Friday, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend and earlier than Gov. Gavin Newsom's initial end-of-May target. The reopening follows extensive damage from the January Palisades Fire and subsequent mudslides, which led to months of closures limiting access to residents, first responders, and cleanup crews. Newsom credited the accelerated timeline to the tireless efforts of hundreds of construction and road crews, supported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which have worked around the clock to clear debris, demolish unsafe structures, and repair the road. While two lanes in each direction will be available, a 25 mph speed limit and heavy security presence with increased checkpoints will remain in effect to ensure safety and restrict access to the burn area. Officials cautioned drivers to expect continued disruptions, delays, and to exercise caution due to ongoing construction and traffic control measures. The reopening is seen as a critical step toward recovery for local businesses and residents who have faced severe hardships since the fire, with the highway being a vital corridor for the community and regional connectivity.