PCH officially reopens: What you need to know
PCH reopens months after Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire forced Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu to shut down for months. Now, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, PCH is back open.
LOS ANGELES - Pacific Coast Highway officially reopened Friday, just in time for the Memorial Day holiday.
What we know:
Two lanes opened in both directions at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 23.
This marks a significant move forward to rebuilding the area after the Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7.
SUGGESTED: Palisades fire: Newsom declares state of emergency, thousands evacuated
Previously, PCH was accessible only to residents in the Palisades Fire burn area, essential businesses, and repair crews.
According to officials, a "robust security presence will remain at the neighborhood level" and the LAPD will continue increased deployment of its officers - including staffing check points 24 hours a day - in the area, per directions from LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Additionally, Caltrans District 7 announced Topanga Canyon Blvd. will reopen for public use on Friday from PCH to Grand View Drive. The public is able to access it from the hours of 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. opening. Topanga Canyon Blvd. will remain closed overnight for repairs.
What To Expect:
Officials are reminding travelers that repairs will continue and drivers are asked to use caution in the area. A 25 mph speed limit remains in effect.
Due to the holiday weekend and ongoing construction, traffic is expected to be very congested. Drivers should expect delays and are advised to allow extra time for travel or find an alternate route.
Caltrans is reminding drivers that traffic fines can be doubled in an active work zone.
Rebuilding Pacific Palisades after deadly wildfire
Pacific Coast Highway is back open in Malibu months after the Palisades Fire. Businessman Rick Caruso talks about the impact to the community and how they'll continue to rebuild going forward.
Helping homeowners with vacant properties
What you can do:
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is encouraging homeowners to complete a Letter of Agency for their homes or businesses, especially if they are unoccupied.
A Letter of Agency, also known as a Trespass Arrest Authorization, is a document that grants law enforcement the authority to enforce trespassing laws on the property in the homeowner's absence… meaning officers can take action against unauthorized individuals without contacting the homeowner first.
Officials said the authorization is useful for vacant properties, vacant lots, businesses, or any properties experiencing public nuisance activities or general trespassing.
Reopening efforts "fastest in state history"
What they're saying:
"In California, we get stuff done, period. We’re opening the PCH back up early, with more lanes before Angelenos hit the road this Memorial Day. We are able to do this thanks to the tireless work of hundreds of construction and road crews and with help from our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers," Gov. Newsom said.
Mayor Bass called the reopening efforts "on track to be the fastest in state history."
"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. As Pacific Coast Highway reopens, we will continue to protect the safety and security of Palisades neighborhoods through a strict security plan established in coordination with the State," she said.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents the Palisades, thanked Gov. Newsom and called it all "an important milestone in our recovery."
"As we enter this next phase, safety must remain our top priority — for residents, workers, and everyone traveling along the coast. I look forward to continuing this collaboration as we accelerate our rebuilding work," she said.
The backstory:
State Route 1 (PCH), is a major artery that serves hundreds of thousands of Angelenos and international visitors daily, connecting Los Angeles with Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and points north.
SUGGESTED: PCH to reopen by end of May, Newsom says
The route has been shut down since the Palisades Fire and has been limited to residents and first responders.
Just a few weeks ago, it was closed completely due to mudslides as a result of inclement weather.
Crews have been working 24/7 to clear debris, demolish damaged structures, remove toxic materials, repair roadways, and install new utility equipment.
SUGGESTED: Mudslide closes stretch of PCH in Malibu
More than 100 USACE crews were involved, helping to remove approximately 1,284 truckloads of debris per day.
What's next:
For more information on wildfire recovery, visit ca.gov/LAfires/.
The Source: Information for this story is from the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom and previous FOX 11 reports.