The reopening of an 11-mile stretch of highway will offer greater access to Malibu and Pacific Palisades and marks a key step forward in fire recovery efforts.

Though PCH will once again welcome traffic, the Pacific Palisades will remain closed to the public, with law enforcement checkpoints.

Pacific Coast Highway, which has been largely off-limits to all but residents, first responders and cleanup crews since the Jan. 7 fire, will reopen to all traffic.