Caltrans announced Thursday that it has completed repairs to two protective walls along Pacific Coast Highway damaged in the January 2025 Palisades Fire, marking a milestone in efforts to strengthen the coastal route against future fires and storms.
The projects include a 460-foot catchment wall south of Big Rock Drive and a 710-foot retaining wall near the Getty Villa along State Route 1, according to Caltrans.
The catchment wall south of Big Rock Drive sustained significant fire damage during the Palisades Fire. Crews removed and replaced the structure using steel beams and concrete lagging designed to improve fire resiliency, officials said.
The project also included installation of a concrete barrier to protect the wall, a new drainage system, reconstruction of pavement between the hillside and the wall, wire mesh for rockfall protection and a new security fence.
The catchment wall project cost approximately $17 million, officials said.
The retaining wall south of Getty Villa Drive, commonly referred to as the “Getty Villa wall” because of its location below the museum property, also was damaged in the fire.
Crews repaired the wall and replaced damaged panels. The rebuilt structure includes a fire-protective coating intended to shield wood lagging from future fire damage, Caltrans said.
“Both walls mark a significant milestone in recovery work efforts to fortify PCH from future fire and storm-related damage,” Caltrans said in a statement. “Recovery operations from the Palisades Fire are ongoing and expected to continue throughout the year.”
Caltrans said motorists can find information on planned closures and traffic conditions at dot.ca.gov.