Malibu urges faster action to protect PCH from erosion

Malibu officials Tuesday urged Caltrans and other state agencies to accelerate permanent efforts to stabilize Pacific Coast Highway in areas threatened by coastal erosion following the Palisades Fire.

City officials said they have been working with Caltrans and other agencies to assess worsening erosion along the highway in the burn area, warning that winter storms and expected El Niño conditions could further undermine the roadway if permanent protections are not in place.

“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 in a statement. “While we appreciate that Caltrans has committed to important interim measures, the erosion continues to accelerate. Malibu is requesting immediate, coordinated action on a permanent stabilization strategy with a clear timeline before winter storms arrive.”

Caltrans did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the city, officials began evaluating conditions along the PCH corridor immediately after the Palisades Fire and have documented active erosion while coordinating emergency protective measures with Caltrans, Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 29 and Southern California Gas Co.

City officials said they have conducted joint inspections with Caltrans at 16 high-priority properties identified as posing an immediate risk to the highway, monitored affected parcels, contacted property owners and coordinated with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office and the Governor’s Office of Los Angeles Recovery.

The city said it will continue working with state and regional agencies on a permanent stabilization plan for the highway before the winter storm season.

Over the weekend, a key access road into Point Dume Beach in Malibu, along with the entrance and parking areas, were closed indefinitely due to severe erosion.

The erosion caused by high tides and surf Saturday was in addition to earlier damage reported last week around several beachfront properties that were destroyed in the January 2025 fire.