**Extended Shutdown Impacts Local Businesses**
The beloved Topanga Canyon remains partially closed due to a devastating landslide that occurred in early March, causing significant disruptions to local businesses.
**Essential Accessibility Cut Off**
With State Road 27 closed from Grand View Drive to Pacific Coast Highway, Topanga has become a virtual dead-end for vehicles. This has severely affected businesses that rely on drive-through traffic, such as Café Mimosa.
“People from neighboring areas used to drive through here for work,” explains Claire Denis, owner of Café Mimosa. “Now, they have to take alternate routes like the 101 or 405. The loss of convenient access has impacted our weekend business and tourism.”
**Delivery Roadblocks**
Businesses that don’t rely on foot traffic are also facing challenges. Terry McBrian, from Topanga Lumber Company, highlights the difficulties in making deliveries.
“We’re struggling to deliver our goods because we can’t go down Topanga to PCH anymore. We have to take longer routes, which incurs extra time and expenses.”
**Ongoing Obstacles to Reopening**
Caltrans, the state agency responsible for road maintenance, has announced that the closure will likely extend until fall. Crews face significant hurdles in clearing the estimated 9.2 million pounds of debris blocking the road.
According to Caltrans spokesperson Jim Medina, water continues to seep from underneath the landslide, posing a potential risk of further movement. Additionally, crews must clear the material from top to bottom to prevent additional debris from dislodging.
**Seeking Solutions Amidst Uncertainty**
The extended closure has left business owners in limbo, unsure of when they can resume normal operations. They are urging Caltrans to prioritize the reopening of Topanga Canyon and provide regular updates on the progress.
Meanwhile, Caltrans encourages the public to submit questions and concerns via email at Topanga@dot.ca.gov.
