Caltrans outlines Topanga Canyon Boulevard recovery plan amid landslide challenges

The Topanga Town Council meeting held on February 19, 2025, focused primarily on the ongoing challenges posed by mudslides and road closures affecting Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The meeting provided updates on the significant mud accumulation from recent storms, estimated at 33,000 cubic yards, which is enough to fill over 16 Olympic swimming pools. Officials indicated that removing this mud would require approximately 2,400 dump truck loads, leading to uncertainty about when the road could be reopened.

A key point of discussion was the presence of a large, unstable boulder that poses a risk to safety. A rock scaling crew is scheduled to address this issue, utilizing inflatable airbags to push the boulder down to the highway. Should this method fail, explosives may be used to break the boulder into manageable pieces, with potential detonation planned for Saturday, pending safety checks on nearby power lines.

Council members expressed frustration over the lack of a clear timeline for reopening the road, with estimates ranging from weeks to possibly months. Residents voiced concerns about the impact of the closures on their daily commutes, highlighting the difficulties faced in accessing work and the need for better communication regarding road conditions and safety measures.

In addition to the mudslide discussions, updates were provided on ongoing construction projects by Southern California Edison. The company reported that civil work on the north side of Topanga Canyon Boulevard is nearing completion, with electrical work expected to finish by the end of March. Residents raised questions about the reliability of power supply and the impact of recent shutoffs on their homes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from officials to provide a more accurate estimate of the road reopening timeline within a week, acknowledging the need for better communication and planning to alleviate the ongoing challenges faced by the community.