Shortly after 2 p.m. on Friday, March 13, a boulder, loosened by the recent rains, was captured in steel netting that Caltrans installed last year in one of five areas in the S-Curves selected for slope reinforcement.
According to Caltrans Public Information Officer, Eric Menjivar, CHP arrived quickly on the scene and Caltrans Maintenance department closed the road. Around 4 p.m., Caltrans crews had removed the rock, secured the netting and opened the road.
In 2019, winter storms caused multiple rock, mud, and debris slides onto the highway, triggering full closures of the highway for days. At press time, anticipating another winter storm, Menjivar wanted to assure the community that, “Our crews will be working 24-hour shifts through the storm!”
Caltrans geologists continue to survey the area as they plan future mitigation.
SCHEDULED ROAD CLOSURE FOR APRIL 11
On Thursday, March 12, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced a full closure of Topanga Canyon Blvd. between Pacific Coast Highway and Grandview Road for Saturday, April 11, for slope mitigation. Details about the closure will be released at a later time.
Signs will be installed throughout the route, advising motorists to use US-101, Las Virgenes Road, and Malibu Canyon Road as an alternate. Motorists should expect delays and are strongly advised to use these alternate routes or avoid the area. The town of Topanga will remain open to motorists at the north end of the canyon from US-101 and Mulholland Highway.
Signs will be installed throughout the route, advising motorists to use US-101, Las Virgenes Road, and Malibu Canyon Road as an alternate.
All work is weather permitting and subject to change.
