Pacific Coast Highway Reopens Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend After Wildfire Closure

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff   

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Terry Collins

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has officially reopened as of May 23, marking the end of a more than four-month closure following the devastating Palisades Fire that swept through Southern California earlier this year. The reopening comes just in time for the Memorial Day weekend, allowing residents and visitors to once again access one of America’s most iconic roadways.

The highway, which had been closed since January due to the deadly wildfire, reopened with two lanes in each direction, although a 25 mph speed limit will be enforced in construction zones. Approximately 11 miles of the highway, stretching from Santa Monica to Malibu in Los Angeles County, had been off-limits to the public since the fire broke out.

California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his satisfaction with the early reopening, stating, "In California, we get stuff done, period. We’re opening the PCH back up early, with more lanes before (Los) Angelenos hit the road this Memorial Day."

Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins echoed this sentiment, noting that the reopening signifies an important step in Malibu’s ongoing recovery from the wildfire's impact.

The Palisades Fire, along with the Eaton Fire, ravaged the Pacific Palisades and Altadena regions, resulting in the loss of at least 29 lives and the destruction of over 37,000 acres, or 57.8 square miles. These fires have been classified as the second and third most destructive wildfires in California's history, according to Cal Fire, and were fully contained by early February.

Barbara Bruderlin, CEO of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber, remarked, "Opening the PCH will be like the sun finally rising after a long, dark night for Malibu’s remaining businesses, which have struggled valiantly to survive. Truly, this is a moment of truth."

Local business owners are optimistic about the highway's reopening, as it is a major artery for traffic and tourism. Scott Richter, owner of Scott's Malibu Market, noted that the area has experienced fluctuations in business since the fire but is hopeful for increased patronage during the holiday weekend. "It's been an adventurous few months to say the least, but we're here," Richter stated, adding that his market has remained open seven days a week since mid-January.

The PCH had limited access since January due to mudslides and fire debris, with only construction crews, essential businesses, and residents seeking access to their homes allowed on the road. The reopening not only restores access to Malibu’s beaches but also supports local communities along the Pacific Ocean.

The successful reopening of the highway was made possible through the coordinated efforts of various agencies, including Caltrans, the California National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Los Angeles County agencies. Brig. Gen. William Hannan, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, emphasized the importance of clearing critical areas along the PCH, stating, "This effort exemplifies our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community resilience."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reiterated the city's commitment to safety during the ongoing recovery process. "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. "All of us have a shared goal – to ensure residents can safely and quickly rebuild and return to their community."

As the PCH reopens, it symbolizes hope and recovery for the communities affected by the wildfires, paving the way for a brighter future as summer approaches.