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PCH Today

Guys, what’s the status on PCH? I understood it was pretty rough for many months. Is it back to some semblance of normal?

Good question. Short answer: yes, parts of PCH (Pacific Coast Highway / State Route 1) are open again, but it’s not totally back to “normal” — there are still restrictions and work zones in place. Here’s a breakdown of where things stand:

  • Reopened Stretch: A key 11-mile stretch of PCH between Santa Monica and Malibu has reopened as of May 23, 2025.
  • Lanes & Speed Limits: There’s still active construction and cleanup, so traffic is reduced. Southbound is down to one lane in some areas, and speed limits are lowered to 25 mph in work zones.
  • Ongoing Work Zones: Caltrans warns that cleanup and infrastructure work is still underway. There are lane closures during daytime hours: northbound PCH has lane closures around Big Rock Drive, for example.
  • Safety & Access Restrictions: Even though PCH is open, there are still strict safety rules: no stopping or pedestrians in work zones, and some intersections operate with flashing red lights (treated as four-way stops).
  • Trail & Park Closures: Some parks, trails, and beach accessways connected to PCH — especially in burn scar areas — remain closed to public use due to safety concerns.

Bottom line: Yes, you can drive PCH again, but expect delays, restricted zones, and limited access in certain areas. If you're planning to enjoy the coastal drive, give yourself extra time, follow the work-zone speed limits, and be aware that not all the old pullouts or trailheads may be accessible just yet.

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