:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-header-pacific-coast-highway-malibu-PCHREOPEN0525-dd921549727d4e0a8cf14a1c9217b7d7.jpg?ssl=1 "This Scenic Coastal Route in California Is Open Again After the Wildfires—but There Are Rules for Drivers to Follow")
The Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Monica and Malibu has reopened for traffic today. The section of the highway had been closed due to the recent Palisades fire.
A popular stretch of California highway is reopening to commuters early.
The famed Pacific Coast Highway, State Route 1, has been closed since Jan. 7, 2025 as a result of the Palisades Fire which devastated the surrounding community. The highway runs from West Channel Road near the Will Rogers Beach State Park in Santa Monica, all the way to the Malibu Pier, officially reopened to public traffic on May 23 at 8:00am PT.
For months, locals and tourists alike have not been able to access the area, as it was restricted to residents and others needing emergency access.
“We’re opening the PCH back up early, with more lanes before Angelenos hit the road this Memorial Day,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a news release. “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.”
Despite the highway reopening, local government officials say a “robust security presence” will remain to maintain order and safety, especially for homes that have been partially or completely destroyed.
According to local reports, the reopened road will have a 25 mph speed limit, stopping in the burn areas will not be allowed, and drivers are being warned to keep an eye out for first responders and debris-clearance crews.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass shared in a statement that the government “will continue to protect the safety and security of Palisades neighborhoods through a strict security plan established in coordination with the State.”
Myung J. Chun/Getty Images
Bass added: “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.”
At the time of publication, the damage assessment of the Palisades Fire report 6,837 destroyed structures and 12 confirmed civilian fatalities.
While the fire brought devastation to thousands, but rallied the community to engage in service and support. Hilton and American Express donated over 20,000 hotel room stays for those affected, and airlines provided extended waivers and flexibility for people with upcoming travel.