Caltrans crews reopened a closed 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive Wednesday morning after an overnight closure due to rain-related safety concerns.
The state agency closed the highway at 9 p.m. Tuesday in anticipation of more rain and the possibility of mud and debris flows.
Caltrans announced it had reopened the highway, also known as state Route 27, which is an active work zone for ongoing recovery efforts from last year’s Palisades Fire and winter storms. It is typically closed to the public from midnight to 5 a.m. daily.
Crews monitored road conditions and reopened the highway at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, the agency said.
Caltrans made the decision to close Topanga Canyon Boulevard due to expected rainfall totals being above the threshold for potential debris flow, which is 0.25 inches of rain per hour in this area.
Crews prepared for the rain by moving equipment, placing k-rail and sandbags and stabilizing current retaining wall and other project work on the road, as well as on Pacific Coast Highway between Sunset Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace.