February 12, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Topanga Canyon Boulevard Reopens Early on Sunday After Landslide Closure

State Route 27 Reopened Three Months Ahead of Schedule

As Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday State Route 27, also known as Topanga Canyon Boulevard, reopened on Sunday, June 2, three months earlier than anticipated after a landslide closed the road in March.

“I cannot overstate just how important it has been for the state and everyone involved to see Topanga Canyon Boulevard open as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Governor Newsom. “Thanks to the diligent efforts by the state along with crews assisting on the ground and the support of locals, this repair work has exceeded all our expectations by opening months ahead of initial estimates.”

Crews have worked around the clock to remove debris and repair damage, allowing for the safe and swift reopening of both lanes. Initially, Caltrans had projected that the closure would last until September. The reopening will include one-lane traffic control during off-peak hours using flaggers as emergency repairs continue. The closure had disrupted the lives of canyon residents, visitors, and beachgoers.

“The incredible work of Caltrans geotechnical and construction engineers and geologists and the contractor has returned a vital connection for this community,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “I thank Governor Newsom, Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and our local partners for their unwavering support, the residents and businesses for their patience, and the crews for reopening the roadway as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin also expressed gratitude, highlighting the significant disruption caused by the closure since March 9. “The closure created considerable hardships for the residents of Topanga, caused commutes to be extended for sometimes hours, and posed significant public safety threats in the event Topanga residents needed to evacuate,” she said. “I want to commend all those responsible for the quick reopening of this critical route.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath praised the state and county coordination that led to the early partial reopening. “Governor Newsom has delivered the resources necessary for 24/7 operations that have led to this early partial reopening. As summer kicks off, this is welcome news, and we know the work will continue at the same speed for a full reopening.”

The March 9 landslide had engulfed both lanes of State Route 27, cutting off access for canyon residents and travelers heading to Pacific Coast Highway/State Route 1. Crews removed approximately 15,000 cubic yards of material, which was repurposed for Ventura County farmers, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, and an art installation in downtown Los Angeles near the State Historic Park.

Caltrans revised its original estimate of 50,000 to 90,000 cubic yards of material after a geotechnical report determined the slide was shallower than initially thought. No anomalies in the soil were encountered during removal, which facilitated the expedited reopening.

Crews built an access road adjacent to the slide, using a Spider Excavator to push down materials from the top and load them into Super-10 trucks with a long-reach excavator. These trucks then transported the dirt and rocks to farms, county storage locations, and the art installation.

With the slope stabilized and debris removed, geotechnical engineers and geologists will continue to monitor the site for any movement. They may recommend a cable mesh drapery system to prevent any sloughing of remaining loose materials and planting native seeds to further stabilize the slope.

On May 3, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to help secure federal funding to repair damage to roads battered during March storms, including State Route 27/Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

in News
Related Posts

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

ART& 2025: NeueHouse Unveils Inspiring Lineup Celebrating Feminine Leadership

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Four-Day Event in Venice Beach Explores Creativity, Activism, and Cultural Impact NeueHouse has unveiled the schedule for ART& 2025, a...

LA Attorney Who Represented Rodney King Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion Scheme

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Milton C. Grimes Ordered To Serve Time in Prison and Pay Restitution Milton C. Grimes, a longtime Los Angeles attorney,...

Canned Tuna Pulled from Shelves Over Botulism Contamination Risk

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

El Segundo Seafood Company Issues Voluntary Recall Through FDA Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall of certain canned tuna...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

Retailers Impose Egg Purchase Restrictions as Supply Chain Disruptions Cause Concern

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Egg Limits Are Back – What’s Causing the Shortage? Retailers across the United States, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have...

Donate Blood, Save Lives: Culver City Hosts Valentine’s Week Drive

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Urgent Need for Donors as Red Cross Faces Critical Blood Shortages As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Culver City Police Department...

New Bill Targets Crime in Disaster Zones – Here’s What You Need to Know

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Lawmakers Push for Tougher Penalties To Protect Vulnerable Communities California lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down...

What about are you protected from future wildfires?

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We...

Actor Will Arnett Lists Stunning Beverly Hills-Area Home for $22.5 Million

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Comedy Star’s Modern Farmhouse Features Custom Podcast Studio Actor and comedian Will Arnett is selling his modern farmhouse-style home near...

Shore Hotel Remains Sustainability Leader

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

By Susan Payne On track to open its new coastal-inspired restaurant, Shore Hotel has excited new offerings and initiatives this...

Worker Injured in HVAC Explosion at Culver City Mall’s Roof

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Explosion on Mall Rooftop Leaves One Worker Hospitalized A worker sustained severe injuries in a workplace accident at the Culver...

Former Bed Bath & Beyond Near LAX to Be Transformed Into Affordable Housing

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Eight-Story Development with 333 Apartments Planned in Empty Warehouse Store According to a recent application submitted to the Los Angeles...

Rescheduled 2024 Homeless Count Needs More Volunteers on the Westside

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Not Enough Volunteers to Successfully Count Unhoused Angelenos This Year With the rescheduled dates for the 2025 Greater Los Angeles...

Student Protest Over Immigration Policies Leads to Walkouts Across the Westside

February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025

Walkout Turns Tense as Counter-Protester Confronts Teen in Video From Venice Students from Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI), Culver City...