Rain triggers mudslide along PCH in Palisades Fire zone
Mud, debris flow concerns in Palisades Fire zone
Crews and first responders are keeping a close watch on hillsides in recent fire zones.
LOS ANGELES - A mudslide caused by rain in the Palisades Fire zone blocked a stretch of Pacific Coast Highway Friday.
CalTrans and public works crews were monitoring a hillside along PCH near Big Rock Drive after loosened soil carrying rocks and debris fell onto the road. A bulldozer was used to clear a path for traffic.
Due to the storms and fears of possible mud or debris flows, CalTrans had already closed Pacific Coast Highway on Tuesday between Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades and Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the highway must be closed due to soft soils on both the hill and ocean sides of the road," according to a statement from CalTrans. "Mud and debris flows may occur and canyons may overtop, blocking the road or causing further damage."
Only essential workers are able to access the closure area along PCH while residents with required passes will still be able to return to their homes in Pacific Palisades through Chautauqua Boulevard, according to Caltrans.
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PCH had just reopened Monday with one lane of traffic in both directions between Santa Monica and Malibu, a stretch that was largely closed due to the Palisades Fire that broke out Jan. 7.
Los Angeles County, working with the California Office of Emergency services, has deployed 679 feet of k-rail and over 1,500 sandbags in key locations within the Palisades and Eaton burn areas to slow runoff and prevent mud and debris flows.
CalTrans stated on Thursday the planned closure along PCH will be in place "until further notice due to risk of mud & debris flows from storms."