Stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard to shut down in wake of incoming rain

A stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard will shut down in the Pacific Palisades area beginning Tuesday night ahead of some anticipated rain, Caltrans announced.

The closure will impact 3.6 miles of the boulevard from Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive. It will be in effect beginning at 9 p.m. Tuesday until further notice as the agency monitors the area for possible mud and debris flow.

“Caltrans crews will monitor and assess road conditions to reopen the highway as soon as it is safe to do so,” the agency said in a statement. “Given the forecast, crews are expecting to reopen Wednesday unless the rainstorms bring significant impacts.”

According to the National Weather Service, about 0.5 to 1 inch of rain is forecasted for the area overnight, with peak rainfall at 0.2 to 0.4 inches per hour. Caltrans said it decided to close the road since the expected rainfall measures above the threshold for possible debris flow.

“The conditions pose hazards for crews and motorists,” the agency continued in its announcement. “Travelers should plan for alternate routes and avoid driving in rainstorms, particularly through burn scar areas. Expect delays, drive with caution and always turn on headlights in the rain.”

Ahead of the rain, crews are placing sandbags and k-rails to stabilize a retaining wall that separates local cliffs from the road.