One lane is closed on two portions of PCH. Portions of several city streets are also closed.
By Kevin Connelly/Special to The Malibu Times
Last month’s storms led to landslides and flooding that shut down two of Malibu’s major roads and hampered the mobility of Malibu residents, as well as harming local business because of the difficulty for outsiders to get into the city. Now, with the sun out and spring nearing, Malibu is beginning to rebuild.
Pacific Coast Highway, which was closed in both directions between Big Rock Drive and Topanga Canyon for several days, is still restricted to one northbound lane between Big Rock Drive and Las Flores Canyon Road. Both southbound lanes remain open. The highway is also down to one lane in each direction between Trancas Canyon Road and Lunita Road. California Department of Transportation officials did not return phone calls for comment regarding when the two portions of Pacific Coast Highway will reopen.
Birdview Avenue remains closed near 7123 Birdview for repairs. City officials say residents living on the west side of the road should access their houses from the west, while those living on the east side of the road are being told to access their homes from the east. Deputy City Engineer Claudio Sanchez said he had no projection for when the roadwork would be completed.
Repairs to Fernhill Drive were underway at the time of this report. Fernhill has been closed to through traffic between Boniface Drive and Grayfox Street since March 2. Construction is located on Fernhill, just south of Sea Ranch Way. Residents who live between Grayfox and the construction are being allowed in from Grayfox. Residents of Sea Ranch and parts of Fernhill north of Sea Ranch will be able to access their homes from the north. Sanchez said the project would be completed within a week.
City officials are encouraging those who do not live on Sea Ranch or Fernhill to use alternate routes while construction is underway.
Encinal Canyon Road is closed at Via Vienta as a result of a landslide. The portion of Encinal Canyon road located above the landslide area can be accessed from Mulholland Highway. The portion of Encinal Canyon below the landslide can be accessed from Pacific Coast Highway. Sanchez said one lane each way could be open as early as Tuesday afternoon after The Malibu Times went to print.
Topanga Canyon Road is open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day until May. According to the city’s Web site, traffic delays are expected.
Kanan Dume Road, Malibu Canyon Road and Decker Canyon Road are open with no restrictions.
The city is continually updating its Web site at www.ci.malibu.ca.us with information on road closures and repairs.