A stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway reopened ahead of Memorial Day weekend, ending more than four months of closure after a devastating wildfire shut down one of America's most renowned roadways. The May 23 reopening comes roughly a week ahead ofstate officials' scheduled target time. The highway, known as the PCH, had been off limits to the public since the deadly Palisades Fire broke out in January. Two lanes in each direction, except for a 25 mph speed limit at construction work zones, opened on the iconic Southern California highway before 9 a.m. on May 23. Roughly 11 miles stretching from Santa Monica to Malibu in Los Angeles County had been closed to the public due to the deadly fire. "In California, we get stuff done, period," said California Gov. Gavin Newsom in astatement. "We're opening the PCH back up early, with more lanes before (Los) Angelenos hit the road this Memorial Day." Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins also added that the highway's reopening "marks an important step in Malibu's ongoing recovery." The reopening of the highway comes after thePalisades and Eaton firesswept through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena regions earlier this year, killing at least 29 and burning over 37,000 acres, or 57.8 square miles. The fires were fully contained in early February. They have been ranked as the second and third most destructive wildfires in California history, according toCal Fire. "Opening the PCH will be like the sun finally rising after a long, dark night for Malibu's remaining businesses, which have struggled valiantly to survive," Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber CEO Barbara Bruderlin said in a statement. "Truly, this is a moment of truth." 'What America should look like:'Loss in the Altadena fires, and a hard road to recovery More traffic on the highway couldn't come at a better time, Scott Richter, the owner ofScott's Malibu Market, told USA TODAY. Richter said the area has definitely seen its ups and downs since the fire. But after a strong Mother's Day weekend, Richter hopes business will pick up even more this holiday weekend. The PCH is a major artery for hundreds of thousands of people, and its closure compounded traffic issues on the nearby 405 and 101 freeways. "It's been an adventurous few months to say the least, but we're here," said Richter, adding his market has been open seven days a week since mid-January. "And with summer approaching, we're expecting business to be even better." Parts of the highway had been closed since January, when mudslides and fire debris made traffic virtually impassable in key areas. Access to the roads was open only to construction and repair crews, essential businesses and the thousands of residents seeking access to their burned or smoke-damaged homes. 'Surprised at her surprise':Violet Affleck recalls arguing with 'shell-shocked' Jennifer Garner during LA wildfires The PCH reopening also gives access to Malibu's beaches and communities along the Pacific Ocean. Coordinated crews from the state transportation agency, Caltrans, the California National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Los Angeles County agencies made the reopenings possible, officials said. "Clearing critical areas along the Pacific Coast Highway has been particularly vital, given its sensitive ecological importance and its role as a lifeline for local communities," Brig. Gen. William Hannan, Commanding General, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Task Force Phoenix, said in a statement. "This effort exemplifies our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community resilience." Richter, the cafe owner, praised the crews' tireless efforts toward the highway's reopening. "I think they did a great job considering there were under a lot of pressure to get it done by this time," Richter said. "For the amount of hard work they've done around the clock, and considering this was a new situation for everybody with all of the massive devastation, kudos to them for being able to deliver a week earlier than expected." Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said safety remains a top priority while the fire recovery process continues. "As Pacific Coast Highway reopens, we will continue to protect the safety and security of Palisades neighborhoods through a strict security plan established in coordination with the State," said Bass in a statement. "All of us have a shared goal – to ensure residents can safely and quickly rebuild and return to their community. We will continue working together toward that goal and recommit to clearing any barrier that stands in the way of recovery." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Pacific Coast Highway reopens for first time since deadly wildfire
