With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
New Safety Upgrades Planned For PCH After Four College Student Deaths
California State Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin (right) stands next to Lee Haber (left), Chief Safety Officer for Caltrans District 7. Omishakin announced Monday the state is making PCH its top safety priority.
(
Gillian Morán Pérez/LAist
)
California transportation officials have announced that $4.2 million will be spent on safety improvements along the 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu months after four Pepperdine students were struck and killed while on the side of the busy roadway.
California State Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin on Monday said the state is going to "double down" and make PCH the top safety project.
Here's a breakdown of what the Caltrans contract will fund:
- Optical speed bars
- 13 safety feedback signs (signs that alert drivers when they are driving over the speed limit)
- Enhanced striping on curves to warn drivers of upcoming curves, especially along the so-called "Dead Man's Curve" between Carbon Canyon Road and Rambla Vista where the four Pepperdine students died
- Painting the speed limit on the roadways
- Refresh signs that designate the PCH safety corridor
More information on the safety upgrades will be published on the new PCH safety website, which will keep the community updated.
Support for LAist comes from
In addition to safety upgrades, three additional California Highway Patrol officers will be deployed on the roadway to enforce the speed limit starting Jan. 1.
Omishakin said the state is also looking to increase traffic fines for speeding drivers.
Go deeper: Traffic Signals On Pacific Coast Highway To Be Installed To Slow Traffic
Corrected May 8, 2024 at 1:02 PM PDT
A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the amount of funding from Caltrans. LAist regrets the error.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist