Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) Pavement Project
Project Description
The project covers more than 18 miles of Topanga Canyon Boulevard/State Route 27 (SR-27) from Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu to Devonshire Street in Chatsworth. The project includes upgraded curb ramps and crosswalks to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards as well as enhancements to ADA elements that include 26 traffic signals, 235 repaired and replaced curb ramps and nearly 30 pedestrian push buttons. Additionally, the project adds more than 20 landscape control locations, nearly 50 transit stop improvements and two bicycle drainage gates.
Project Update
The northern portion of SR-27, roughly from Devonshire Street to just north of Happy Trail, is nearly complete. Additionally, paving is complete from Mulholland Drive to Café 27; however, some work in this section still remains, such as striping work, shoulder backing, guardrail, etc.
Caltrans crews will resume work on the southern portion of this project, from Mulholland Drive to Pacific Coast Highway, in or around May 2026, starting at Mulholland Drive and working south.
Project Benefits
This project ensures the road lasts longer, provides a smoother ride and increases safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers.
Key improvements include:
- Repaving more than 60 lane miles of roadway
- ADA enhancements, including traffic signals, curb ramps and pedestrian push buttons
- Upgrading and/or adjusting around 25,000 feet of guardrail for added safety
- Upgrading 200 existing curb ramps to ADA standards
- Adding safe access points for maintenance workers
- Clearing overgrown areas at 48 sites to improve visibility
- Improving 51 transit stops
Topanga Canyon Boulevard Project FAQs
Q: How did the Palisades Fire and subsequent rainstorms impact this project?
A: Crews have nearly completed paving work from Devonshire Street in Chatsworth to just north of Happy Trail. Crews in January 2025 paused work on the pavement project through the unincorporated community of Topanga to complete emergency repairs related to the Palisades Fire. More information on that work is on this project page: Topanga Canyon Boulevard/State Route 27 Emergency Repairs.
Crews plan to continue the pavement rehabilitation project from Mulholland Drive to PCH in May 2026. Caltrans will announce when this work resumes.
Q: What are the hours, days and times of construction activities?
A: For the remaining portion of the project through the unincorporated community of Topanga heading south, working hours will generally be overnights from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Schedules are subject to change due to roadway conditions, SCE’s undergrounding and Caltrans’s emergency project repairs schedules and other conditions.
Q: How will residents and businesses be impacted by the project?
A: Residents and businesses located near the freeway are advised to anticipate noise, vibrations, and dust associated with construction activities.
- Caltrans will make every effort to mitigate noise associated with construction activities by installing a noise reduction barrier around the plant location.
- Noise levels will not exceed state, federal and city regulations.
- Water trucks will be used to minimize dust during working hours.
- Dump truck driver will minimize backing up operations to reduce back-up alarm noise.
Q: Will detour routes be posted when full closures occur?
A: Yes, the contractor will place signage along the detour route if you need to continue your commute on Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Detour routes and full closure notifications will be shared via news release and on social media.
X: @CaltransDist7 Instagram: @caltransdistrict7 Facebook: @caltransdistrict7
Q: What direction will paving work take place?
A: The contractor began working at the north end of the project near Devonshire Street, heading south toward PCH in Malibu.
Q: How many miles of lanes are being paved?
A: More than 60 lane miles of SR-27 will be repaved and there will be an upgrade of around 25,000 feet of guardrail.
Q: When did the project start?
A: February 2024
Q: When is the project expected to be complete?
A: Fall 2027
Q: What is the cost of the project?
A: The awarded contract for the project is $59.5 Million.
Q: How will the weather impact the project construction?
A: Closures are weather-permitting and subject to change. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes during construction hours.
Q: Why were left turn lanes added on Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Dumetz Road?
A: The addition of left turn lanes on Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Dumetz Road, along with the removal of on-street parking on Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Providencia Street and Viscanio Road, was implemented at the request of the City of Los Angeles.
Q: Will the overnight closures in Topanga overlap with those for Southern California Edison's (SCE) Underground Project?
A: No, the closures will not conflict with SCE's project. SCE's work between Cezanne Ave and Happy Trail is scheduled for completion before Caltrans begins paving on June 2.
Q: What are the various phases of Southern California Edison’s (SCE) work in the Topanga area, and how do they impact this project?
A: SCE is completing its work in the Topanga area in three phases:
- Phase 1: Woodland Crest Drive to Happy Trail
- Phase 2: Happy Trail to 900 feet south of Grand View Drive (completed May 18, 2025)
- Phase 3: PM 1.8 to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) (ongoing, expected completion late July 2025)
Caltrans began paving work in June 2025, overlapping with some of SCE’s activity. This paving affects both directions of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and is expected to be completed by July 2025. Additional Caltrans improvements, including guardrail and vegetation control, are scheduled for early 2026 or may be delayed until May 2026 if work is suspended. These overlapping efforts may impact access and timelines for this project, depending on location and scheduling.
Q: When will Caltrans resume pavement work in Topanga?
A: Caltrans has suspended all project work in SCE Phases 2 and 3 until May 2026 to allow for underground power line relocation and emergency repairs from past wildfires and storms. If the suspension ends as scheduled, Caltrans expects to complete the remaining work by mid-2027.
Q: Where can motorists and residents find project updates?
A: Residents and motorists can view current traffic closures before they leave for their destination by visiting the Caltrans Quickmap.
Contact:
Katy Macek
katy.macek@dot.ca.gov
Public Information Officer
Caltrans District 7