Traffic Alert: Canyon Can Expect Exceptionally Heavy Traffic Over Holiday Weekend

(From The Canyon Alliance / SMCCA, Thursday May 22)

The Canyon Alliance / SMCCA is issuing a traffic alert to all Canyon residents and businesses beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 23, through the end of Memorial Day weekend.

Multiple news outlets are reporting that the Governor will reopen PCH tomorrow (two lanes in each direction), with the concurrent removal of the existing checkpoints manned by the National Guard, including the major checkpoint on PCH at West Channel / Chautauqua.

[UPDATE: here is the official statement from the Governor, the Mayor, and Councilwoman Park: STATEMENT]

This reopening alone may spur significant increases in traffic as the general public will be able drive between Santa Monica and Malibu for the first time since the Palisades Fire in January.

In addition, the Memorial Day weekend and predictions of fair weather are expected to bring the typical high number of holiday vehicles into and through the Canyon as drivers try to access beach parking areas.

This morning Mayor Karen Bass announced that the City of Los Angeles and LAPD will increase the number of security checkpoints into the Palisades from five to sixteen, likely including city streets such as West Channel, Chautauqua, and Brooktree. LAPD may assign pairs of patrol cars to four different locations, including one in the Canyon, with ten officers on assignment at all times. And California Highway Patrol will continue to provide security assistance for the Palisades.

It appears these safety officers will be focused on security rather than traffic control. Canyon residents and businesses should therefore be prepared for possible surges of traffic through the Canyon at unpredictable times and locations. Any major change in traffic patterns usually generates some chaotic conditions as drivers adjust to the new pattern; the reopening of PCH and the creation of multiple new checkpoints are likely to produce significant disruptions. Please check your traffic reports before driving through the Canyon, and avoid the beach areas if possible.

The online Town Hall this afternoon at 4:00pm hosted by our Councilwoman Traci Park should shed more light on these traffic and security issues. https://www.the-canyon.org/home/traci-park-to-host-town-hall-on-traffic-and-safety. If you would like to attend you can RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMnlD5HcpiHH46dYE05zKeVbI-xjJDGScAFv5_4AA-y24omg/viewform