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Main road through Rancho Palos Verdes under emergency repairs, access reduced
Historic landslides in Rancho Palos Verdes cause irreversible damage to homes and roads as seen on May 17, 2024
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
LAist
)
Topline:
The major thoroughfare through a landslide-prone area of Ranch Palos Verdes is undergoing emergency repairs until 7 p.m. It typically handles some 15,000 vehicles a day.
Details: The stretch between Schooner Drive and Wayfarers Chapel was shut down briefly in both directions on Saturday afternoon for emergency repairs. Shortly after the announcement, the city of Rancho Palos Verdes released an update saying the road was reopened with alternating single-lane travel.
How we got here today: City officials said they were alerted to a "4-foot deep fissure in the eastbound lane of the 'ski jump' on Palos Verdes Drive South" about 9 a.m. They said "no vehicles were damaged and no injuries were reported." They did shut down the road fully to fill divots.
The bigger backstory: Since 2023, Rancho Palos Verdes and surrounding areas have experienced accelerated land movements. Palos Verdes Drive South — which one resident has called the community's "lifeline" — had just undergone planned repairs earlier this month. The "ski jump" section referenced in the city's statement was so named by residents due to the moving ground creating a a steep drop in the road.
What's next: Emergency roadway repairs, the city says, are expected to be completed by approximately 7 p.m. Motorists should expect delays and consider an alternate route. More repair work is coming soon, with pre-planned road rehab work already scheduled for July 24 to 25.
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