Malibu urges accelerated action to protect PCH from worsening coastal erosion

By The Malibu Times · Wed Aug 05 2026

The City of Malibu is calling on Caltrans and state and regional agencies to accelerate efforts to protect Pacific Coast Highway as worsening coastal erosion threatens portions of the roadway within the Palisades Fire burn area.

City officials announced Tuesday, Aug. 4 that Malibu is working closely with Caltrans and other agency partners to assess conditions along the highway and coordinate measures intended to protect the roadway, utilities and public safety.

While Caltrans has taken interim steps to protect PCH, Malibu officials say permanent stabilization measures are increasingly urgent as erosion continues to remove material supporting the roadway embankment.

“The City of Malibu and Caltrans have been working side-by-side to evaluate conditions and coordinate the next steps to protect public safety,” City Manager Joe Irvin said. “While we appreciate that Caltrans has committed to important interim measures, the erosion continues to accelerate.”

Irvin said the City is requesting “immediate, coordinated action on a permanent stabilization strategy with a clear timeline before winter storms arrive.”

The concerns are focused on areas of PCH affected by the Palisades Fire, where coastal properties and infrastructure have faced changing conditions since the January 2025 disaster.

Immediately following the fire, according to the City, Malibu began investigating conditions along the PCH corridor. City staff have since conducted field observations, documented active erosion, coordinated emergency protective measures and worked to bring together the agencies responsible for the highway and utilities running beneath and alongside it.

The City says the situation could become increasingly serious if erosion continues unchecked.

According to Malibu officials, continued loss of coastal material could undermine the embankment supporting PCH. The potential for heavy rainfall, high surf and significant wave events during the coming storm season could further accelerate that process, potentially causing erosion expected to occur over several months to happen during a single major storm cycle.

City officials say coordinated action among Caltrans, Malibu, utility providers, Los Angeles County and state agencies will be critical to reducing the potential for roadway failure and protecting infrastructure along the corridor.

As part of its response, Malibu has conducted joint field observations with Caltrans at all 16 properties designated as red-tagged High-Priority parcels because they pose an immediate risk to the roadway.

The City has also coordinated directly with Caltrans District 7, Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 29 and SoCalGas to assess conditions involving utilities in the affected area.

Malibu staff have been assigned to continue monitoring affected parcels, while the City has conducted direct outreach to each High-Priority property owner. Assistance is also being provided to affected property owners through Malibu’s Rebuild Center.

The City has additionally briefed Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office regarding issues associated with the Palisades Fire and ongoing rebuilding efforts. The Governor’s Office of Los Angeles Recovery has also been briefed on conditions along PCH, including concerns surrounding coastal erosion.

The latest concerns come as Malibu and surrounding coastal communities continue to contend with the long-term impacts of the Palisades Fire and the vulnerability of infrastructure along the coastline.

PCH serves not only as Malibu’s primary transportation corridor but also as a critical evacuation route and access point for residents, emergency responders, businesses and visitors. Damage or prolonged closures along portions of the highway can have significant impacts on mobility throughout the region.

With winter approaching, Malibu officials say the window for completing protective work before major storms is narrowing.

The City is urging all agencies involved to establish a coordinated permanent stabilization strategy and implementation timeline rather than relying solely on interim measures.

Malibu officials said they will continue monitoring erosion conditions, coordinating with Caltrans and other agencies andadvocating for measures necessary to protect PCH and the infrastructure surrounding it.

For additional information and updates on the City’s PCH Erosion Response, visit the City of Malibu website.

Read last week’s article,“Malibu Sounds Alarm Over Fragile Stretch of Pacific Coast Highway Following Fire Damage.”