Los Angeles, California, January 10, 2026
The reopening of ‘The Snake,’ a notorious stretch of Mulholland Highway in Los Angeles, has sparked concern among residents due to the resurgence of street racing. After being closed since early 2019 for repairs following damage from the Woolsey Fire, the 2.5-mile segment has drawn a wave of racing enthusiasts, leading to increased noise and safety issues in nearby communities. Local authorities are responding with enhanced traffic enforcement and other safety measures to address residents’ concerns.
Los Angeles Residents Concerned as ‘The Snake’ Reopens, Attracting Street Racers
Los Angeles, California – A recently reopened stretch of Mulholland Highway, known as “The Snake,” has reignited concerns among local residents due to the resurgence of street racing activities. The 2.5-mile segment, famous for its sharp hairpin turns, had been closed since early 2019 following damage from the Woolsey Fire and subsequent mudslides. Its reopening has led to an influx of racing enthusiasts, raising safety and noise issues for nearby communities.
Reopening of ‘The Snake’ and Immediate Impact
The stretch of Mulholland Highway between Kanan Road and Sierra Creek, colloquially referred to as “The Snake,” reopened in December 2025 after extensive repairs. Within hours, social media platforms buzzed with announcements from influencers, drawing numerous racers to the area. Residents have reported increased noise levels and safety concerns, with some expressing fears about potential accidents and fires resulting from high-speed activities.
Community Reactions and Safety Measures
Local residents have voiced their apprehensions, highlighting the historical dangers associated with this stretch of road. In response, the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), has implemented several safety measures. These include enhanced traffic enforcement, installation of updated striping and rumble strips, and ongoing evaluations to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.
Historical Context of Street Racing on Mulholland Highway
Mulholland Highway has a long history as a hotspot for street racing. In the mid-20th century, it was known as “Mulholland Raceway – The Largest Amateur Road Race Course,” attracting racing enthusiasts who referred to its corners by nicknames like Deadman’s Curve and Chicanes. Despite efforts to curb these activities, the allure of the road’s challenging turns continues to draw racers, posing ongoing challenges for local authorities and residents.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Outlook
Authorities are committed to monitoring the situation and have indicated plans for further safety enhancements. The collaboration between public works, law enforcement, and community members aims to balance the road’s appeal to racing enthusiasts with the safety and well-being of local residents. Continuous assessment and adaptation of strategies will be crucial in addressing the evolving dynamics of this iconic stretch of Mulholland Highway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ‘The Snake’ on Mulholland Highway?
‘The Snake’ is a 2.5-mile stretch of Mulholland Highway between Kanan Road and Sierra Creek, known for its sharp hairpin turns and popularity among street racing enthusiasts.
Why was ‘The Snake’ closed before reopening?
The segment was closed in early 2019 due to damage from the Woolsey Fire and subsequent mudslides, necessitating extensive repairs before reopening in December 2025.
What safety measures have been implemented since the reopening?
Safety measures include enhanced traffic enforcement by the California Highway Patrol, installation of updated striping and rumble strips by the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, and ongoing evaluations to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.
How have residents responded to the reopening?
Residents have expressed concerns about increased noise levels and safety risks associated with the resurgence of street racing activities on ‘The Snake.’ Some have voiced fears about potential accidents and fires resulting from high-speed racing.
What is the history of street racing on Mulholland Highway?
Mulholland Highway has a long history as a hotspot for street racing, dating back to the mid-20th century when it was known as ‘Mulholland Raceway – The Largest Amateur Road Race Course,’ attracting racing enthusiasts who referred to its corners by nicknames like Deadman’s Curve and Chicanes.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mulholland Highway, Los Angeles, California |
| Known As | ‘The Snake’ |
| Length | 2.5 miles |
| Reopened | December 2025 |
| Previous Closure | Closed since early 2019 due to damage from the Woolsey Fire and mudslides |
| Safety Measures Implemented | Enhanced traffic enforcement, updated striping and rumble strips, ongoing evaluations |
| Resident Concerns | Increased noise levels, safety risks, potential accidents, and fires from street racing |
| Historical Significance | Known as ‘Mulholland Raceway – The Largest Amateur Road Race Course’ in the mid-20th century |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Samson Nacua Arrested for Vehicle Theft Involving Lakers Player
Los Angeles Resident Challenges Illegal Parking Practices
Los Angeles Police Fatally Shoot Armed Suspect in Reseda
Man Found Dead in SUV After Shooting in Palms Area
Fatal Pedestrian Accident in East Los Angeles
Los Angeles Forecast: Enjoy Mild, Dry Weather This December
Los Angeles County Wildfire Threatens Communities
Mulholland Highway’s ‘The Snake’ Reopens After Closure
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
