LOS ANGELES, CA – The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has been closed once again, as officials cite heightened risks of landslides following a series of storms and saturated soil conditions in the Malibu area. The latest closure, announced over the weekend, affects the stretch from Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu and is expected to remain in place indefinitely.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in coordination with Los Angeles County Public Works, made the decision after observing increased slide activity near Big Rock Drive and hillside slippage below Porto Marina Way. Officials warn that the already unstable terrain, worsened by recent rainfall, poses a significant hazard, particularly with another round of heavy rain forecast from February 12 through 14.
“The decision to remain closed is part of preemptive measures in response to and in preparation for additional rain,” Caltrans said in a statement. The agency noted that debris basins in the area are currently at 80 percent capacity and require clearing before the next storm system arrives.
Access is now restricted to essential workers, including first responders and utility crews. Residents of the Palisades can still reach their homes via Chautauqua Boulevard with proper credentials, while motorists are advised to avoid the area or seek alternative routes.
The closure is the latest development in ongoing disruptions along the highway, which has faced repeated shutdowns since the Palisades Fire. The road was initially closed following the wildfire, then partially reopened to provide limited access to affected areas. A full reopening was announced and subsequently delayed, only to be implemented shortly before the recent storm cycle.
Though the first band of rain passed without major incidents, the latest closure has exacerbated transportation difficulties, particularly for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Superintendent Antonio Shelton acknowledged the challenges facing students and staff, many of whom now endure lengthy commutes due to detours.
“We appreciate our bus drivers and our staff and teachers who are enduring multi-hour drives to support our students in Malibu,” Shelton said, adding that the district has introduced vanpools from Santa Monica using alternative routes to mitigate the impact.
The National Weather Service expects coastal and valley areas to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain, with 2 to 4 inches possible in the mountains and foothills. Officials remain concerned that additional rainfall could trigger further debris flows, potentially damaging roads and structures in the area.
In the meantime, emergency crews are reinforcing vulnerable sections of the highway, placing steel plates along Porto Marina Way to stabilize slopes and installing k-rail barriers at key points. Debris removal operations are ongoing, and officials continue to assess the road’s condition daily.
The repeated closures have disrupted travel and commerce along the crucial coastal corridor, frustrating residents and businesses. Authorities stress that reopening will depend on safety conditions, urging patience as they work to stabilize the highway and surrounding hillsides.
