Access into the Palisades to Stay Restricted; Checkpoints and Robust Law Enforcement Presence to Remain
LOS ANGELES – After this morning’s announcement that Pacific Coast Highway will reopen to public travel at 8:00 AM on Friday, May 23, ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, Mayor Karen Bass, Governor Gavin Newsom and Councilmember Traci Park today shared components of their coordinated plan to maintain the safety of neighborhoods in the Palisades.
When Pacific Coast Highway is reopened, access into the Palisades will remain restricted to residents, business owners, employees and contractors only. Mayor Bass directed the LAPD to continue its increased deployment in the Palisades, including staffing all checkpoints 24 hours a day. With the reopening of Pacific Coast Highway, the number of checkpoints into the Palisades will increase from five to 16. The California Highway Patrol will also continue providing increased patrols of the Palisades.
"The reopening of Pacific Coast Highway marks an important step forward in our recovery effort in the Palisades, which is on track to be the fastest in state history,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “I thank Governor Newsom, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and partners at all levels of government for their partnership and collaboration as we work around the clock to get families home and businesses reopened. As Pacific Coast Highway reopens, we will continue to protect the safety and security of Palisades neighborhoods through a strict security plan established in coordination with the State. All of us have a shared goal – to ensure residents can safely and quickly rebuild and return to their community. We will continue working together toward that goal and recommit to clearing any barrier that stands in the way of recovery.”
Mayor Bass and Councilmember Park thank Governor Newsom for his ongoing partnership in securing the Palisades community since the firestorm began.
"To the survivors of these fires: We have your back,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “As we continue rebuilding together, the State is committed to the security of neighborhoods and families who have been impacted."
“I thank Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom for their responsiveness and commitment to the safety and security of the communities impacted by the Palisades Fire. Their generous deployment of National Guard and law enforcement resources have already suppressed crime and enhanced safety during this delicate recovery process,” said Councilmember Traci Park. “As we celebrate a welcome reopening of PCH and improved access to the area, we are grateful for the continued presence and support from LAPD and CHP at ongoing checkpoints and for patrol and suppression efforts in the Pacific Palisades. This work continues to be a joint, multi-jurisdictional effort to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the entire region as we recover from the devastating Palisades Fire.”
“I’m grateful for the men and women who have worked day-in and day-out to get us to this point and the support from the Administration and local partners that has helped make this recovery effort move quickly,” said Senator Ben Allen. “The reopening of PCH is an important milestone that will relieve badly impacted businesses—maintaining important security and safety measures will continue to be a focus for the area.”
“Instead of having to hang a u-turn on PCH, Angelenos can now ‘hang ten’ with Malibu businesses and residents,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “I want to offer a big thanks to federal, state, and local partners who made this happen!”
“The reopening of Pacific Coast Highway marks an important milestone in our city’s recovery, and the LAPD remains fully committed to ensuring the continued safety of the Palisades community,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. “Our officers will maintain a strong presence at all checkpoints and throughout the area to support residents, deter criminal activity, and provide peace of mind as rebuilding efforts continue. We are proud to stand alongside our local, state, and federal partners in this coordinated response.”
What to Expect for Travelers
Be aware that repairs will continue even after two lanes in both directions are opened to the public.
For the safety of repair crews and first responders, drivers are asked to please use caution while driving through the area. A 25 MPH speed limit will remain in effect.
Due to the volume of traffic expected over the holiday weekend and ongoing construction, drivers should expect delays on PCH. Please allow extra time for travel or find an alternate route to your destination.
Caltrans and CHP remind drivers that traffic fines can be doubled in an active work zone.