Caltrans Works to Protect PCH Following Springs Fire

A Caltrans contractor was working Saturday to protect Pacific Coast Highway between Malibu to Camarillo from falling rock and debris following the Camarillo Springs fire.

The state approved $2.5 million in emergency funds for the work Saturday, Lauren Wonder, a Caltrans District 7 spokeswoman.

The fire blazed a path from the 101 Freeway near Camarillo Springs to Pacific Coast Highway at Point Mugu, then blazing a trail east toward Malibu. (Read Malibu Patch's live coverage here.)

PCH was reopened Friday night with California Highway Patrol officers escorting drivers through. The stretch of highway is popular among car commercials.

A Caltrans contractor already began to place a temporary (K-rail) barrier along the shoulder, and fencing will be installed along steeper slope areas to prevent sand, gravel and rocks to fall onto the road, according to Wonder.

A Caltrans geotechnical engineer surveyed the area Saturday morning and determined that the slope is stable and landslides are not expected, Wonder said.

In a few weeks, engineers will determine if further protection of the slope is necessary to prevent landslides during winter rains, she said.

If rain predicted for Sunday through Tuesday is heavy enough to cause landslides, the highway may need to be closed again, according to Wonder.

Motorists are asked to watch for Caltrans trucks, contractor crews and debris. Highway 101 is an alternate route.