Topanga Canyon Boulevard Closed Again Due to Mudslide After Storm
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A significant mudslide forced the closure of a 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard on Wednesday, just one day after it reopened following a previous closure related to heavy rainfall. The recurring disruptions highlight the ongoing vulnerability of the canyon road and the challenges of recovery from recent natural disasters.
Recent Storms Trigger Road Closures
The latest closure, impacting the roadway between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive, was prompted by a mudslide confirmed by photos shared on Caltrans’ X account. Crews had briefly reopened the same section of Topanga Canyon Boulevard on Tuesday afternoon after initially closing it due to concerns about potential landslides during periods of intense rainfall across Southern California. During that initial closure, crews successfully cleared minor debris flows.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts Complicate Travel
The repeated closures are further complicated by existing nightly work zones along Topanga Canyon Boulevard. These closures, in place from midnight to 5 a.m., are part of a long-term recovery effort stemming from the January Palisades Fire and subsequent winter storms. The work focuses on stabilizing the canyon and mitigating future risks.
Rainfall Exceeds Seasonal Averages
The recent storm delivered over 2 inches of rain to parts of Los Angeles County, significantly exceeding the average October rainfall for downtown Los Angeles, which typically receives 0.57 inches. This substantial precipitation contributed to the unstable conditions that led to the mudslide.
The situation underscores the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events and the need for continued infrastructure investment to protect vulnerable roadways like Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
