A section of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu that was closed due to a debris flow has reopened, according to Caltrans. The closure occurred over the weekend following heavy rains that caused mudslides, particularly affecting areas around Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Tuna Canyon Road, and Big Rock Drive.
On Saturday afternoon, road crews began working to clear the highway. By late afternoon, they had made significant progress, but there was still too much mud at Tuna Canyon Road to fully reopen the area. Fortunately, by Sunday morning, PCH was reopened with some restrictions. Access is limited to local residents with burn scar passes, contractors, emergency responders, and designated Metro and school buses.
The late April storm brought about a quarter of an inch of rain to most areas of Southern California, but some regions, like the Palisades fire burn area, received up to half an inch. Meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld noted that it’s unusual to have such a weather system this late in April, though it can happen occasionally.
Looking ahead, Caltrans plans to reopen a larger stretch of the coastal highway by the end of May. This will include the area from Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu, allowing regular traffic to return.