MALIBU—The state of California has added another month to the Pacific Coast Highway closure between Las Posas and Yerba Buena Road.
According to Caltrans, the oft-travelled nine-mile commuter route for those traveling in and out of Ventura County will not re-open until at least the end of February. The now two month closure, beginning December 12, 2014, is the result of high surf and storm conditions.
In the interim, drivers have been forced to take alternate canyon routes to and from Ventura, having significant impact on traffic conditions in the surrounding area.
Malibu city officials are working to expedite the renovation process, one slowed by the washing away of slopes below the highway. Malibu City Manager Jim Thorsen is arguing that Caltrans must make the renovation of PCH a priority, as the limited access-ways could prove problematic in case of emergency.
In response, Caltrans has assured that speeding-up the renovation project is beyond the realm of possibility.
“Accelerating the work? We are accelerating the work, it’s an emergency work order,” Caltras spokesperson Patrick Chandler said. “We’re not going to let anybody on to a state highway where there’s danger someone is going to get injured.”
