State Route 23 Reopens In Malibu After Woolsey Fire

MALIBU, CA – Caltrans officials reopened State Route 23 Saturday between Pacific Coast Highway and the 101 Freeway, after weeks of the road being closed to the public for safety and logistical reasons during the Woolsey Fire in Malibu and Thousand Oaks.

However, flagging operations are still in effect along certain portions of the route, meaning only one direction of travel at a time is being permitted. Motorists should expect delays as work continues during daylight hours, seven days per week except for holidays, for an unknown duration.

The long-term closure was required to permit repairs by Caltrans contractors and utility companies, to provide a safe work area for workers, and to clear debris and drains to restore the roadway to a safe condition for the public, Caltrans said.

On Dec. 11, the section from Decker School Rd. to lower Mulholland Dr. was opened to residents only.

The Woolsey Fire ignited Nov. 8 and burned into Los Angeles County and through Malibu and other areas. The blaze covered nearly 97,000 acres, destroyed 1,643 structures and damaged 364 others in two counties. It was fully contained on Nov. 21.

City News Service contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock