Governor Says PCH to Reopen by End of May

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that PCH would open by the end of May with one lane in each direction available for public travel.

“With the busy summer months along the coast fast approaching, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and Caltrans will effectuate the reopening by working closely with the U.S, Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the cleanup of parcels along PCH by surging additional crews into the area so that these parcels can be cleared of debris quickly,” according to the governor’s news release. “Crews will work around the clock—literally 24/7—to demolish the damaged and collapsed homes, remove toxic ash and soot, repair the roadways, and install new utility equipment.”

Currently, the Corps is removing 1,284 truckloads of debris per day, and PCH is the a key haul route. Once PCH is reopened, current checkpoints on the north and south ends of the highway will be removed, “but a robust law enforcement presence from state and local agencies will remain in place,” according to the governor’s office.