Pacific Coast Highway Reopens Just in Time for Memorial Day Weekend

After months of closure, a key stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is finally reopening this Friday—perfect timing for Memorial Day weekend road trips!

The scenic 11-mile stretch, which connects Los Angeles to Malibu and coastal Ventura County, has been off-limits to most traffic since January. The road was heavily damaged by the Palisades Fire and follow-up mudslides, and only local residents, emergency workers, and essential crews were allowed through.

Thanks to a fast-tracked repair effort championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the road is opening much earlier than expected. Newsom had made the reopening a priority, saying back in April, “We are going all-in to get this done.”

The state teamed up with Caltrans, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get the job done quickly. Over 100 U.S. Army Corps crews have been working non-stop—clearing mud, removing debris, and tearing down unsafe structures. According to The Malibu Times, crews have been hauling away more than 1,200 truckloads of debris every single day using the PCH itself.

Starting Friday, drivers will be able to use two lanes in each direction. This is welcome news not just for travelers, but also for local businesses that have struggled to stay afloat without their usual flow of customers.

Local leaders are also making sure residents have a chance to voice any last-minute concerns. L.A. City Councilwoman Traci Park is holding a virtual town hall at 4 p.m. on Thursday to talk about the reopening and answer community questions.

Whether you're planning a beach day, a scenic drive, or just heading home, the newly reopened PCH is ready to roll.