MALIBU, CA — Caltrans has completed repairs to two protective walls along Pacific Coast Highway damaged during the Palisades Fire, marking a major milestone in efforts to protect the roadway from future fires, storms and rockfalls, officials said Thursday.
The completed projects include a 460-foot catchment wall south of Big Rock Drive and a 710-foot retaining wall below the Getty Villa, Caltrans announced.
The Palisades Fire significantly damaged the catchment wall in January 2025. Crews removed and replaced it with steel beams and concrete lagging designed to better withstand fire.
The approximately $17 million project also included a protective concrete barrier, a new drainage system, reconstructed pavement between the wall and hillside, wire mesh for rockfall protection and a new security fence.
Crews also repaired the retaining wall south of Getty Villa Drive, replacing damaged panels and applying a fire-resistant coating to protect its wood lagging.
Caltrans said the completed walls will help fortify PCH against future fire and storm damage.
Palisades Fire recovery operations along the highway remain underway and are expected to continue through the end of the year.
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