After nearly five months, the iconic beach route opens to the public on Friday, much to the relief of struggling Malibu restaurants and retailers who have been on "an island" blocked from L.A.

"It's a major artery for L.A., and Malibu has really become an island over the past four months," owner Tim Morris. "Looking at all the people who are regulars who have been giving us phone calls, 'Hey, are you guys open? How do we get to you?'"