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Tuna Canyon–PCH signal installed but power, timing and staffing problems persist, officials say
Summary
Caltrans and law‑enforcement officials said the temporary signal at Tuna Canyon and Pacific Coast Highway has helped but suffered wiring/power interruptions and fallback flashing; deputies and CHP warned that staffing and jurisdictional limits constrain temporary traffic control or lane reversals.
County and state traffic officials updated the Topanga community on operations at the Tuna Canyon–PCH junction and broader traffic management since the Topanga Canyon Boulevard closure.
Caltrans public information staff and a contractor are addressing intermittent wiring and power problems that have caused the temporary signal to drop into a flashing‑red mode for safety, Caltrans said; the contractor was working on repairs that evening. "There was a wiring issue and the contractor is working on it tonight," Lauren Wonder of Caltrans said.
Deputy Richard Baldy said redirecting Tuna Canyon traffic or running contra‑flow is not presently feasible for safety and staffing reasons: narrow road geometry, the risk of head‑on conflicts in an evacuation, and limited available deputies and CHP officers with the specialized authority to control highway‑level traffic. "It's an accident waiting to happen," Baldy said of reversing flow on the narrow canyon roadway.
A CHP representative clarified that jurisdiction at the PCH–Tuna intersection rests with the city of Malibu and the Sheriff rather than CHP in some segments, which complicates who can legally and practically provide traffic control there outside active emergencies. Both agencies encouraged residents to report dangerous driving and incidents to 911 so officers can respond where possible.
Residents and council members urged longer green times at the Tuna signal and more reliable power/controls; Caltrans said engineers would adjust timing and that a press notice would follow when repairs are complete. County and law‑enforcement staff said recruiting additional qualified personnel is a long‑term staffing challenge and that volunteer flaggers are not a safe short‑term substitute for authorized officers.
