Topanga Canyon Boulevard, which was shuttered by mudslides in March, is set to reopen on Sunday, June 2, almost three months ahead of initial estimates.
Governor Gavin Newsom was all smiles on Friday morning as he announced the opening of the critical mountain roadway connecting Malibu to the western San Fernando Valley. And to make good news better, businesses who have been impacted by the closure will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in financial assistance from the County.
“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 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.”
While the road will reopen in both directions, occasional one way controls will be implemented to allow CalTrans to finish completing emergency repairs, he added.
Topanga is no stranger to mudslides during the rainy season, but this year’s historic storms brought with them an unprecedented level of damage.
High winds and have precipitation blasted the area in March. This causes entire hill sections to slide onto Topanga Canyon Blvd. and burry the road in dirt and rocks, including a car-sized boulder.
The unstable conditions of the slope above the roadside initially prevented repairs as the area was too dangerous for work crews. Hours-long detours greatly inconvenienced local residents and deterred outside visitors, resulting in a significant revenue losses for canyon businesses.
On May 3, Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to repair roads across the state. This helped secure federal funding to accelerate repairs in Topanga, which were originally scheduled for fall.
Newsom also gave a big shout out to the tireless work of CalTrans’ crews who have been on scene 24 hours a day, seven days a week to stabilize the area and clear boulders, rocks, trees and more from the roadway.
LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, who represents Topanga, was also thrilled by the news as residents and businesses have been greatly impacted since storms closed the roadway in March.
“The State and County have coordinated in unprecedented ways to clear the landslide,” she said. “Governor Newsom has delivered the resources necessary for 24/7 operations that have led to this early reopening. As summer kicks off, this is welcome news and we know the work will continue at the same speed for a full reopening.”
Horvath also announced that businesses who have been financially harmed will be able to apply for up to $10,000 in assistance through the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity.
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“The Topanga Business Interruption Fund will give small business owners a boost while we also encourage customers to come back and shop Topanga this summer,” said Horvath. “We are here to support the Topanga community through these grants and the swift reopening of Topanga Canyon. Topanga is not alone – we will get through this closure together.”
Applications for the Topanga Business Interruption Fund applications will open July 1, 2024, and businesses are encouraged to submit their contact and business information now at www.opportunity.lacounty.gov/topanga. Grants will be distributed on a rolling basis from an overall pot of $250,000.
