After a lot of confusion, Pacific Coast Highway briefly reopened, only to be closed again two days later.
Plans to reopen Pacific Coast Highway collapsed into chaos on Sunday, February 2, after Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass slammed on the brakes, leaving a three-mile stretch of the highway still closed, trapping through traffic in hours-long gridlock, as city police turned cars back at Coastline Drive and Entrada. At some point, the blockades were lifted, letting in not just people with legitimate business in the area, but also “trauma tourists” who descended on the ruins of burned houses on PCH and began shooting videos.
The mayor’s last-minute decision revealed cracks in the fiction that state, local and county governments are working together to coordinate disaster response and clean up. It also raised questions regarding who has the authority to close the state highway.
Bass’ decision was in response to outcry from residents of the Palisades, dismayed at the prospect of disaster tourists and treasure-seekers descending on homes that residents have not yet been able to access or secure. But Malibu also has whole neighborhoods that have burned, and no measures are being put in place to protect those properties from being exploited.
On Monday, February 3, PCH was open, but restricted to one lane in each direction. The speed limit for the burn zone is 25 mph. On Tuesday, the state route was preemptively shut down out of concern that rain could cause mud and rock slides. There is also the potential for destabilized sections of the road on the ocean side to crumble or collapse. Even if no damage occurs during this series of storm events, residents and commuters can expect more weather-related closures.
Nearly a month after the fire began, Topanga Canyon Boulevard remains fully closed between PCH and Grand View Drive. Downed power poles and power lines are still being repaired and replaced. Mud and debris flow from recent rainfall reportedly prompted the temporary evacuation of utility and Caltrans maintenance crews.
According to the TCEP website, Caltrans is exploring “options for limited access, if feasible,” but many problems must still be addressed, including fire and heat-related damage to everything from retaining walls and guard rails, to traffic signs and signals. Rain will continue to complicate the mediation work, but Caltrans has indicated that the road will be kept open for emergency responders, as well as utility companies.
Caltrans representatives have stated that the agency is ready with a reopening plan in coordination with the CHP as soon as it is safe to do so.
