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PCH to Reopen Sunday
 
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By Jorge Casuso

January 31, 2025 -- In an "important step forward," PCH will reopen to essential traffic Sunday morning after being shut down three weeks ago with the start of the Palisades Fire.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath announced all areas of the main access road north from Santa Monica will reopen at 8 a.m., although essential traffic only is strongly encouraged.

As cleanup and utility restoration work continues on PCH, the coastal highway will be limited to one lane in each direction with reduced speeds, Horvath said.

"It’s important that we set expectations -- this will not be the same PCH as before the fires," the supervisor said.

The reopening of PCH is the result of a coordinated effort between the LA County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol and Caltrans.

“Los Angeles County has worked diligently and with all deliberate speed to reopen PCH in a way that is safe and allows our residents, businesses, workers, and students to more easily navigate our coastal communities,” Horvath said.

“This reopening is a step forward in our recovery for communities that endured both the Palisades and Franklin Fires."

With rain in the forecast next week, LA County Public Works, along with the Sheriff’s Department and Caltrans "will continually monitor for roadway hazards," the supervisor said.

For road closure updates, visit pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures.

On Friday, the California Department of Forestry Protection (CAL FIRE) confirmed that the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, which began on January 7 and were driven by hurricane-level Santa Ana winds, have officially been completely contained.

The Palisades fire scorched more than 23,000 acres and destroyed more than 10,000 structures in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and parts of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Hardest hit was Pacific Palisades, where the fire destroyed 6,662 structures, including homes whose owners had lived there for generations, as well as the homes of numerous celebrities.

The Eaton Fire destroyed some 7,000 structures and consumed some 14,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena.

More than 100,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, including those in Santa Monica who live north of San Vicente Boulevard, where a curfew was also imposed.

On Monday, the LA County Medical Examiner reported the 29th death related to the fires.

Twelve of the victims died as a result of the Palisades Fire, while 16 were victims of the Eaton Fire, according to the coroner. Eleven of the victims have not been identified.

The first death, on January 8, and the last, on January 25, took place in hospitals after the victims were transported from the Palisades Fire.


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