Coastal Commission approves PCH lane reduction, roundabouts in western Malibu Play

Caltrans now has final permission to reduce one mile of PCH from five lanes and 55 miles an hour to two lanes and two roundabouts in western Malibu.

Traffic circles and a one-mile lane reduction and traffic choke were approved Thursday by the California Coastal Commission.

The commission rejected an appeal from a Malibu man who had said the planned roundabouts and lane removals violated the Coastal Act.

Unless a lawsuit is filed, this appears to clear the way for Caltrans to install the temporary and removable barriers.

Of course, this being Malibu, the possibility of a lawsuit is real. But to win, a lawsuit would have to cite a violation of the law — and no such violation is apparent at this point.

A lawsuit might delay the roundabouts. But right now, Caltrans has a green light to reduce one mile of PCH from five lanes and 55 miles an hour to two lanes and two roundabouts in western Malibu.