Stretch of PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu reopens to traffic, bringing cheers and some concern
Stretch of PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu reopens to traffic, bringing cheers and some concern
PACIFIC PALISADES — Pacific Coast Highway, which has been largely off-limits to all but residents, first responders and cleanup crews since the Jan. 7 Palisades Fire, reopened Friday morning at 8 a.m. to all traffic, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.
The action, on a foggy Friday, was a milestone moment in an area in the march toward recovering from the mammoth blaze, which in the coastal area destroyed nearly 7,000 structures and left 12 dead.
Gov. Gavin Newsom had previously announced that the roadway between Malibu and Santa Monica would be reopened by the end of May. But on Thursday, Newsom hailed the planned Friday reopening as a major step forward in the fire-recovery effort.
Motorists on the highway are likely to still encounter a heavy security presence as authorities continue to restrict access into the Palisades Fire burn area.
Mayor Karen Bass has instructed the Los Angeles Police Department to step up deployment of officers in the area, including staffing checkpoints around the clock. According to the mayor’s office, the number of checkpoints in the fire area will increase from five to 16 to restrict Palisades access to residents, business owners, employees and contractors.
A 25 mph speed limit will also remain in effect on PCH.
“The reopening of Pacific Coast Highway marks an important step forward in our recovery effort in the Palisades, which is on track to be the fastest in state history,” Bass said in a statement. “I thank Governor Newsom, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and partners at all levels of government for their partnership and collaboration as we work around the clock to get families home and businesses reopened.
The opening has brought a mix of opinions in and around the popular stretch of California highway.
Business owners see a ray of hope, with potentially better access for customers. But some residents were worried about traffic congestion and lookie-loos who might linger in the area, causing unwanted snarls.
On Friday morning, crews had removed what was a command post, where CHP ran a checkpoint. Crews were also working to open up the lanes, and establish the 25 mph speed limit.
Southbound, there wasn’t much traffic. Going north, from Entrada Drive north to Temescal Canyon Road, there were still pockets of slow-and-go because of work still going on to add the extra lanes.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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