Gov. Newsom announces plans to reopen the historic highway before the summer tourist season.
The opening is far ahead of the state’s initial expectations.
“We understand how essential this route is for everyday life and for local businesses,” Newsom said in a statement Saturday. “Resuming PCH is a top priority and we’re all in to get this done.”
Authorities closed the coastal highway during the deadly and destructive fire that began on January 7th.
The highway connects Los Angeles with Palisade in the Pacific and Malibu, heading north to Mendocino County. We serve hundreds of thousands of local residents and visitors every day from around the world.
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Officials plan to open one lane in each direction for public travel this summer during the state’s busy tourist season.
Newsom’s Office reported that the state is working with the California Department of Transportation (CAL Trans), local agencies, and the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize cleaning of parcels along the highway, eliminating more workers in the area and clearing debris.
Crews work round the clock to destroy fires and collapsed homes, remove toxic ashes and soot, repair roads and install new utility equipment.
Over 100 Army Army crews work in the fire zone using excavators, metal grinding equipment and dump trucks. According to Newsom, crews will remove nearly 1,300 debris per day.
“Once their work is completed, the (highways) will be able to safely reopen to the public in one lane in each direction,” the governor said in a statement.
California Governor Gavin Newsom (R) will tour the Pacific Palisard downtown business district as the Palisade fire continues to burn in Los Angeles on January 8, 2025. Eric Sayer/Getty Images
Malibu residents and the facilities in the fire zone have encountered hurdles and winter storms this year as they attempt to rebuild and recover from the devastating fire.
