PCH closure: Caltrans climbers remove unstable rocks from hillside

MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- Caltrans climbers rappelled down a 150-foot slope along Pacific Coast Highway just north of Malibu on Tuesday to remove boulders that could roll onto cars along a closed section of the road.

Caltrans said about 10 members of its unit of certified climbers were assigned to the task. Climbers reportedly only used their hands, feet and crowbars to dislodge the unstable rocks.

A nine-mile section of PCH, between Las Posas and Yerba Buena roads, was shut down after a series of rain-driven mud and rock slides in December. The storms left several feet of mud and debris on the roadway.

The road is not expected to reopen until later this month.

City News Service contributed to this report.