PCH Is Finally Reopened!

The final stretch of Pacific Coast Highway north of Malibu that was closed in early December due to storm-driven mud and rock slides reopened today, clearing the path for motorists traveling between Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

A nine-mile stretch of PCH between Las Posas and Yerba Buena roads was closed after the December slides, which left the road buried under 4-6 feet of mud and rocks. The debris fell thanks to rain that pelted the nearby hillsides, which were left largely bare by the May 2013 Springs Fire.

Exacerbating the situation was high surf that also damaged the pavement.

On Feb. 3, six miles between Las Posas Road and Sycamore Cove were reopened, but three miles from Sycamore to Yerba Buena remained blocked.

According to Caltrans, clearing the final three miles of highway required the removal of 4,000 truck loads of dirt, much of which was used in the highway repair work. Some of the dirt was also used for trail repairs at Point Mugu State Park, with more was sent to Cal State Channel Islands, which will use it for a future construction project.

An average of 10,000 vehicles travel on the stretch of highway every day, according to Caltrans.

• City News Service
• Photo Credit: Caltrans

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