Caltrans Begins Work to Realign PCH Lanes at Porto Marina Way

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

California Department of Transportation began construction to create a second northbound lane on Pacific Coast Highway at Porto Marina Way on Tuesday night, May 28, the department reported earlier that day.

“As of Thursday morning, May 30, there are two lanes open in each direction on Pacific Coast Highway at Porto Marina Way (north of Sunset Boulevard) at the Tramonto Slide,” Caltrans wrote in an update sent May 30. “Overnight work will continue tonight, Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, to place k-rail at the base of the slide and to place more signs … There may be more overnight work next week, but two lanes will remain open in each direction during the day. Please drive carefully and do not speed.”

The right lane of PCH has been closed following the Tramonto Slide that occurred in February, later saturated by a series of storms in March, according to Caltrans.

Construction was anticipated to take place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. At least one lane in each direction of Pacific Coast Highway from Sunset Boulevard to Coastline Drive would remain open.

“Construction will include removing the existing curb along the southbound shoulder; removing existing pavement delineation, markers, and markings; realigning lanes around the slide area; grinding; repaving; restriping; and placing k-rail at the toe of the slide,” according to Caltrans.

Caltrans recently stated the department would not clear the landslide debris from PCH “unless and until the city stabilizes the Tramonto Slide above the roadway,” according to Pacific Palisades Community Council.

“The existing northbound right lane must remain closed due to the instability of the slide,” Caltrans reported. “There is no additional space in the median to create another lane. All northbound and southbound lanes will be realigned toward the shoreline to create space for a second northbound travel lane that allows the safe and smooth flow of traffic.”

PPCC hosted a special meeting on May 20 to discuss the landslide and proposed construction in Castellammare. Full coverage of the meeting can be found in the May 23 edition of the Palisadian-Post, as well as online.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated on Thursday, May 30, to reflect updates from Caltrans.