[Update, 5:40 p.m.] Drivers on the eastbound side of Pacific Coast Highway have been experiencing massive delays since earlier this afternoon and backups will likely continue until 10 p.m., according to officials.
Cars are reportedly backed up as far as Kanan Dume Road. Two eastbound lanes are closed just before Carbon Canyon Road and eastbound cars are being diverted to the median lane. Leland Tang, a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol, could not confirm whether the closure was related to Netanyahu’s visit, but Secret Service agents were at the scene and large event tents were set up outside of a Carbon Beach home where the lane closure was in effect.
“All I can confirm is that there’s an event going on…For security reasons I can’t tell you who,” Tang said. He added that the lane closures were ordered by the Secret Service.
Traffic signs saying “Truck Inspection Ahead” were seen near the Malibu Pier but there were no truck inspections observed taking place.Â
As part of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Southern California this week, his motorcade is expected to cause rolling closures along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on Wednesday evening. Netanyahu is rumored to be attending some type of gala in the Malibu or Santa Monica area, according to multiple reports.
The city manager’s office confirmed that PCH traffic would be affected between 6:30 and 11 p.m. on Wednesday, but said the city is not involved with Netanyahu’s motorcade or activities. Brief rolling closures are expected between the 10 freeway and Malibu Canyon Road, according to City News Service.
Netanyahu met with President Obama in Washington, D.C., on Monday. On Tuesday, Netanyahu attended a gala at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Wednesday morning and midday he was scheduled to travel to Silicon Valley and sign a pro-business pact with Gov. Jerry Brown. He’ll then fly back to Los Angeles and wrap up his visit Wednesday evening and Thursday.
Check back as more information on this event becomes available.