A section of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu has reopened to local residents after being closed due to a debris flow over the weekend. Caltrans announced the reopening, which took place on Sunday morning, following significant cleanup efforts.
The highway was closed on Saturday afternoon at key intersections, including Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Tuna Canyon Road, and Big Rock Drive. Heavy rain from a late April storm caused mud and debris to block the road. While crews worked diligently to clear the highway, they reported that there was still too much mud to remove at Tuna Canyon Road by late Saturday.
When the road reopened, it was under soft closure restrictions. Access was limited to residents with burn scar passes, contractors, emergency responders, and designated Metro and school buses.
The storm that caused the debris flow brought about a quarter of an inch of rain across the Southland, with up to half an inch recorded in the Palisades fire burn area. Meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld noted that it is unusual to see such weather this late in April, but late-season storms can occur.
Caltrans expects to fully reopen a larger stretch of the coastal highway, from Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu, by the end of May. This will allow regular traffic to resume, easing access for residents and visitors alike.