MALIBU—On Saturday, May 31, the LASD Malibu/Lost Hills Station indicated that Caltrans announced southbound Pacific Coast Highway will be reduced to one lane between Carbon Beach Terrace & Topanga Canyon Blvd for Palisades Fire debris removal.
The lane reduction will allow U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to continue cleaning properties that were damaged in the Palisades Fire. The lane closures will occur at various locations of southbound PCH between Carbon Beach Terrace and Topanga Canyon Boulevard/State Route 27 and will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
In addition, one lane of northbound PCH will be closed just north of Big Rock Drive from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays while the city of Malibu completes emergency work to remove and replace a drainage pipe that was destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
The section of PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu that recently reopened to the motoring public on May 23 is still an active work zone as Caltrans, USACE, various contractors and utility workers complete repairs and recovery work.
The portion of the road had been closed for five months as a result of the Palisades Fire and previous storms that caused flooding, and debris flows in the region.
Drivers who commute through the region must abide by the 25mph speed limit through the work zone, plan for extra travel time and expect delays. Caltrans reminds the public that traffic fines can be double in a work zone. Drivers should be cautious when in the area and slow down for workers.
By Danny Jones