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By Adeola Adeosun
Weekend Night Editor
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The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Southern California reopened on Monday after being closed for nearly a month due to the devastating Palisades fire in Los Angeles. However, traffic has significant restrictions and is operating on a single lane in each direction from Santa Monica to Ventura County line.
Newsweek has reached out the Los Angeles County Supervisor Third District via email on Monday for comment.
Why It Matters
The PCH serves as a critical transportation artery connecting coastal communities throughout Southern California.
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Its closure has severely disrupted local transportation networks and emergency response capabilities across Los Angeles County. The partial reopening of the iconic stretch of highway represents a significant milestone in the region's recovery from one of its most destructive wildfire seasons in California history.
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What To Know
The Palisades fire consumed 23,448 acres and resulted in 12 fatalities. The destruction included 6,837 structures destroyed and 1,017 damaged. The concurrent Eaton fire burned through 14,021 acres, claiming 17 lives and destroying 9,418 structures, with an additional 1,070 homes and businesses damaged.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), both fires are now 100 percent fully contained.
On Sunday morning, officials opened the northernmost section of PCH in Malibu to traffic. However, the Pacific Palisades segment remained closed due to Los Angeles city officials' last-minute decision to maintain checkpoints, citing ongoing safety and looting concerns.
As of Monday afternoon, traffic is flowing with reduced speed limits from Santa Monica northwest to Ventura County. Access remains limited. Residents must show proof of residence or entry passes to enter the Palisades burn zone, according to a statement. The California Highway Patrol and National Guard have assumed control of access management from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The fires began on January 7 amid unusually dry conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a rare "particularly dangerous situation" warning the day before, prompting state officials to deploy fire resources preemptively to Southern California.
What People Are Saying
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement: "This will not be the same PCH as before the fires. Essential traffic only is strongly encouraged while cleanup and utility repairs continue."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement: "We continue to adapt in real time to this dynamic situation. This plan secures the Palisades and eases the strain on LAPD, whose ability to respond across LA has been impacted for nearly one month."
California Governor Gavin Newsom: "To the survivors of these fires: We have your back; the state will be here every step of the way until your community is fully recovered."
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What Happens Next
Recovery and cleanup efforts are now moving forward as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) crews begin hazardous debris removal in affected areas.
Officials will monitor the highway for potential hazards, especially with approaching rainfall. Their immediate focus includes managing restricted traffic flow, continuing cleanup operations and utility repairs, monitoring potential mud and debris flows during upcoming rain, coordinating between agencies to maintain security, and working toward gradually restoring full access as conditions allow.
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