California governor Gavin Newsom announced on April 12 that the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, which runs through communities devastated by the Palisades Fire, will reopen by the end of May.
The opening is well ahead of the state’s original expectations.
“We understand how essential this route is for daily life and local businesses,” Newsom said in a statement on Saturday. “Reopening PCH is a top priority, and we are going all-in to get this done.”
Officials closed the coastal highway during the deadly and destructive fire that started on Jan. 7.
A section reopened a month later, but other sections remained closed to the public. The highway was only open to residents and agencies, who cleaned up toxic debris and other waste left behind after the flames destroyed more than 6,800 homes and buildings….