Conditions on the highway, along with PCH, are of concern after Christmas storms
TOPANGA – Caltrans will fully close a 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard/State Route 27 (SR-27) between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive in the unincorporated community of Topanga at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, in advance of predicted rainstorms and potential debris flows.
Crews will monitor and reassess road conditions daily as long as it is safe to do so and will share updates on road reopening when they are available.
The closure follows last week’s Christmas storms that brought mud and debris flows onto SR-27 and minor damage onto Pacific Coast Highway/State Route 1 (PCH). Caltrans crews are concerned about more damages amid already-saturated slopes on both highways.
The Palisades Fire recovery work zone on PCH from Sunset Boulevard to Carbon Beach Terrace will remain open, with crews on standby to respond to flooding and debris flows.
The National Weather Service is predicting significant rainfall starting Wednesday night, with peak intensities between 10 p.m. Wednesday to 10 p.m. Thursday. There are additional chances of rain through Saturday.
Rainfall totals are estimated at up to 3.75 inches in the Palisades Fire burn scar area, with local rain rates of 0.25 up to 1 inch per hour, according to NWS. There is potential for mud and debris flows and isolated flash flooding.
Travelers should account for weather conditions when planning New Year’s Eve travels, plan for alternate routes and avoid driving in rainstorms, particularly through burn scar areas. Expect delays, drive with caution and always turn on headlights in the rain.
Crews are preparing for the storm by moving equipment, placing k-rail and sandbags and stabilizing current retaining wall and other project work on SR-27 and PCH.
Because conditions may change quickly, Caltrans District 7 will share daily updates via news release and on its social media pages, including X (@CaltransDist7), Instagram (@caltransdistrict7) and Facebook (@caltransdistrict7).
Motorists can check current traffic conditions on the Caltrans Quickmap.
The closed stretch of SR-27 is an active work zone for ongoing recovery efforts from the Palisades Fire and winter storms. It is typically closed to the public from midnight to 5 a.m. daily.
