Malibu Urges Faster Action As Coastal Erosion Threatens PCH

MALIBU, CA — The city of Malibu is urging Caltrans and other state and regional agencies to accelerate efforts to protect Pacific Coast Highway as coastal erosion worsens along the Palisades Fire burn area.

City officials said Tuesday that Caltrans has taken interim steps to protect the roadway, but permanent stabilization work is still needed to prevent further damage to the highway and nearby infrastructure.

“The city of Malibu and Caltrans have been working side-by-side to evaluate conditions and coordinate the next steps to protect public safety,” City Manager Joe Irvin said in a statement. “While we appreciate that Caltrans has committed to important interim measures, the erosion continues to accelerate.”

Irvin said the city is seeking an immediate, coordinated plan with a firm timeline before winter storms arrive.

Malibu began investigating conditions along the PCH corridor after the Palisades Fire, according to the city. Staff members have conducted field observations, documented erosion and coordinated with agencies responsible for the highway and utility lines beneath it.

Officials said continued erosion could remove material supporting the roadway embankment and increase the risk of a roadway failure.

The city also warned that anticipated El Niño conditions could bring heavy rain, high surf and strong wave activity during the coming storm season, potentially accelerating erosion during a single storm cycle.

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Malibu said it has conducted joint inspections with Caltrans at 16 red-tagged, high-priority properties considered an immediate risk to the roadway.

The city has also coordinated with Caltrans District 7, Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 29 and Southern California Gas Co. to evaluate utility conditions.

City staff members are monitoring affected properties, contacting high-priority property owners and providing assistance through Malibu’s Rebuild Center, officials said.

The city has also briefed Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office and the Governor’s Office of Los Angeles Recovery about the erosion and other rebuilding concerns along PCH.

More information is available on the city’s PCH Erosion Response webpage.