The weather forecast is prompting concerns for highway safety in the Topanga area following recent Christmas storms that impacted road conditions. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, Caltrans will fully close a 3.6-mile segment of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, also known as State Route 27 (SR-27), between Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Grand View Drive. This precautionary measure comes in anticipation of significant rainfall and the associated risk of debris flows.
The closure follows last week’s storms that deposited mud and debris along SR-27 and caused minor damage to PCH. In light of already saturated slopes along both routes, Caltrans crews are highly vigilant about potential further damage. Daily assessments of road conditions will be conducted to ensure safety, with updates on reopening provided when available.
Despite the closures, the Palisades Fire recovery work zone along PCH from Sunset Boulevard to Carbon Beach Terrace will remain accessible, with teams on standby to manage any flooding or additional debris flows. The National Weather Service forecasts heavy rainfall starting Wednesday night, with expected peak intensities occurring between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 10 p.m. Thursday. Rain totals could reach as much as 3.75 inches in the Palisades Fire burn scar area, which may trigger localized rain rates between 0.25 and 1 inch per hour.
Travelers are advised to consider weather conditions while planning their New Year’s Eve journeys, encouraging them to look for alternate routes and avoid driving through burn scar regions during inclement weather. Motorists should prepare for potential delays, exercise caution, and turn on headlights when driving in rain.
To ensure readiness for the incoming storm, crews are actively mobilizing equipment, setting up k-rail, placing sandbags, and reinforcing current retaining walls and related infrastructure on both SR-27 and PCH. Caltrans District 7 has committed to providing daily updates via news releases and their social media platforms, such as X, Instagram, and Facebook, urging motorists to check current traffic conditions on the Caltrans Quickmap.
The stretch of SR-27 slated for closure is part of ongoing recovery efforts from both the Palisades Fire and the winter storms and is routinely closed to public traffic from midnight to 5 a.m. This proactive step reflects Caltrans’ commitment to safety and the importance of keeping the traveling public informed during adverse weather conditions.