Malibu, California, December 5, 2025
Malibu’s Mulholland Highway, known as ‘The Snake,’ reopened to traffic after a six-year closure caused by the 2018 Woolsey Fire and subsequent mudslides. Safety enhancements have been implemented, including new signage and rumble strips, to promote safer driving. Community reactions vary, with some welcoming the reopening while others express concerns about racing and safety. The California Highway Patrol will monitor the road, and officials plan to assess safety measures in the coming months.
Malibu, California
Mulholland Highway’s ‘The Snake’ Reopens After Six-Year Closure
Malibu’s iconic 2.4-mile stretch of Mulholland Highway, known as “The Snake,” reopened to vehicle traffic on December 2, 2025, after being closed for over six years due to the 2018 Woolsey Fire and subsequent mudslides.
Reopening Details
The section between Kanan Road and Sierra Creek Road had been inaccessible since early 2019. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has implemented several safety enhancements to address the area’s history of high-speed racing and frequent accidents. These improvements include:
- New curve-warning signs
- Tightened intersections
- Updated road stripes
- Safety bollards
- Rumble strips designed to slow traffic
The California Highway Patrol will conduct regular patrols to deter racing and enforce traffic laws, while the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will issue citations for illegal parking along the road’s edge.
Community Reactions
The reopening has elicited mixed reactions from local residents. Some express concerns about the return of high-speed racing and its potential impact on community safety. Others welcome the return of the road, emphasizing its significance to the area’s heritage and recreational opportunities.
Background
Prior to its closure, “The Snake” was renowned for its winding curves, attracting motorcyclists and car enthusiasts. The 2018 Woolsey Fire caused significant damage, including melted guardrails, burned pavement, and a destroyed bridge. The road reopened for pedestrians and cyclists in April 2020 after infrastructure repairs. In 2023, the county initiated the Vision Zero program on Mulholland Highway, aiming to eliminate traffic-related fatalities by 2035. This program led to the installation of rumble strips and reflective pavement markers to encourage safer driving behaviors.
Looking Ahead
Los Angeles County officials remain committed to monitoring the effectiveness of these safety measures. They plan to evaluate the situation in six and twelve months to determine if additional improvements are necessary to ensure the safety of all road users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “The Snake” on Mulholland Highway?
“The Snake” is a 2.4-mile stretch of Mulholland Highway between Kanan Road and Sierra Creek Road in Malibu, California, known for its winding curves and popularity among motorcyclists and car enthusiasts.
Why was “The Snake” closed for six years?
The section was closed due to damage from the 2018 Woolsey Fire and subsequent mudslides, which caused significant infrastructure damage, including melted guardrails and burned pavement.
What safety measures have been implemented upon reopening?
Safety enhancements include new curve-warning signs, tightened intersections, updated road stripes, safety bollards, and rumble strips designed to slow traffic. The California Highway Patrol will conduct regular patrols to deter racing and enforce traffic laws, while the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will issue citations for illegal parking along the road’s edge.
What is the Vision Zero program?
The Vision Zero program is an initiative aimed at eliminating traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries on unincorporated county roadways by 2035. It includes measures such as installing rumble strips and reflective pavement markers to encourage safer driving behaviors.
How will the effectiveness of the safety measures be evaluated?
Los Angeles County officials plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the safety measures in six and twelve months to determine if additional improvements are necessary to ensure the safety of all road users.
Key Features of the Reopened Mulholland Highway’s ‘The Snake’
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | 2.4 miles |
| Location | Between Kanan Road and Sierra Creek Road, Malibu, California |
| Closure Duration | Over six years (2019–2025) |
| Reopening Date | December 2, 2025 |
| Safety Enhancements | Curve-warning signs, tightened intersections, updated road stripes, safety bollards, rumble strips |
| Enforcement | California Highway Patrol patrols, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department citations for illegal parking |
| Vision Zero Program | Aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities on unincorporated county roadways by 2035 |
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