PCH through Malibu

Question

Is there any expectation as to when the PCH (south) through Malibu will be reopened? We will be visiting in mid April and this has put something of a hole in our plans. (And before anyone comments, I do fully understand that our inconvenience is nothing compared with what people have lost).

If it's still likely to be closed in April, what is the most southerly alternative route we could follow? HW27 seems to be closed so could we take HW23? We have plenty of time.

Thanks

Answer

Good question. The status of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) through Malibu is changing quickly, so here’s the latest and what your best alternative routes are, based on current information.

Current Status & Expected Re-Opening:

Governor Newsom has announced that the PCH (State Route 1) through the Malibu / Palisades area is set to reopen to public travel by the end of May, ahead of earlier estimates.
As of May 23, 2025, the road reopened with one lane in each direction.
However, this stretch remains an active work zone: there are reduced speed limits (25 mph) and lane restrictions for safety while cleanup continues.
Caltrans is continuing major recovery work carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on fire-damaged properties alongside the highway.
There are still periodic lane closures: for example, southbound PCH may be reduced to one lane during daytime hours for debris removal.

Given This, What About Mid-April?

Since your trip is mid-April, there is significant risk that the highway may not be fully open yet or may still have access restrictions or work zones. While the scheduled full reopening is “by the end of May,” in April the road may still be under partial restrictions or limited in ways that could impact driving and stopping.

Alternate Route If PCH Isn’t Fully Open:

If PCH is not reliably open (or you'd rather avoid the risk), here’s a solid southern alternative:

Use US-101 north to Las Virgenes Road / Malibu Canyon Road: This is a common alternative to get into Malibu without using the coast highway. Caltrans has previously recommended this route.
You could also take Kanan Dume Road from the 101 to connect down toward Malibu. Locals have used this route during closures.

Pros & Cons of Alternative Route:

Pro: More reliable, fewer unknowns, avoids work-zone traffic and hazards.
Con: You’ll miss some of the classic coast-road views that make PCH iconic.

Recommendation:

In mid-April, be prepared that PCH may still be partially restricted. Use Caltrans QuickMap or other real-time traffic/road-closure tools to check the exact status just before you drive.
If the highway is open but still under construction, drive cautiously, follow reduced speed limits, and expect possible delays.
If you want peace of mind and a smooth drive, consider taking US-101 → Malibu Canyon or Kanan Dume Road instead of relying fully on PCH.

Hope that helps — safe travels and enjoy the coast (or the canyon route)!