LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The renowned 2.4-mile stretch of Mulholland Highway, often referred to as "the Snake" due to its serpentine twists and turns through the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains, is set to reopen to drivers after being closed since 2019.
However, the Los Angeles County officials are taking no chances, implementing a comprehensive safety study and a series of engineering measures to address the previously identified high-collision corridor.
What is 'The Snake'?
Nestled within the scenic Santa Monica Mountains, a stretch of roadway known as "The Snake" has captivated the hearts of locals and adventurers alike.
Mulholland Highway, often referred to as "The Snake" due to its winding curves and hairpin turns, has become an icon in the realm of both automotive enthusiasm and road safety concerns.
This 2.4-mile segment of Mulholland Highway, extending between Kanan Road and Sierra Creek Road, has earned its reputation as a meandering masterpiece.
With its picturesque coiling resemblance to a snake, the road was a favorite haunt for thrill-seeking motorcyclists and daring street racers.
However, this acclaim was accompanied by a growing concern about its safety, as the road was designated a high-collision corridor following multiple fatal crashes.
In response to the mounting safety issues, "The Snake" was closed to drivers in 2019. The closure was intended to address the challenges posed by speeding vehicles, particularly motorcycles, which often navigated the road at dangerous velocities.
Why is 'The Snake' being reopened?
The LA County Board of Supervisors, recognizing the importance of preserving this iconic stretch while ensuring public safety, embarked on a comprehensive journey to revitalize the road and make it more secure for all.
The reopening of "The Snake" is not a mere reawakening, but a carefully orchestrated effort encompassing both visionary planning and intricate engineering.
A major milestone on this path is the approval of a 180-day safety study, a pivotal component of the county's Vision Zero traffic improvement plan. Vision Zero, with its goal of eliminating roadway fatalities, underscores the urgency of the situation.
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the safety enhancements put in place by the county, along with measures to curb dangerous street racing and takeovers that have plagued the area.
The unanimous 4-0 vote by the Board of Supervisors reflects the seriousness of the issue. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose district encompasses the famous roadway, emphasized the importance of balancing the beauty of the road with its potential dangers.
She stated, "Mulholland Highway is a historic scenic roadway beloved by the local community and visitors alike. While beautiful, it can also be dangerous — even lethal — when people choose to race or stage photo opportunities."
"In Los Angeles County, we have a Vision Zero goal to eliminate roadway fatalities, and Mulholland Highway is primed for this work," she added.
Mark Pestrella, the county's director of public works, further highlighted the concerns regarding the road's safety. "The problem is speed in this, in a roadway that is not built to go at the speeds that people do travel it frequently," he explained.
He expressed alarm at the excessive speeds motorcycles and vehicles reach on the winding road, often leading to tragic accidents, according to The Kansas City Star.
What are the safety measures being taken?
The safety enhancements implemented this year on "the Snake" include center lane rumble strips, center lane pavement markers, speed reduction pavement markings, curve advisories and signage, and 6-inch edge line striping.
These improvements aim to make speeding uncomfortable and promote responsible driving. During the first six months following the reopening of "the Snake," the public works staff will closely monitor the effectiveness of these safety measures.
If they prove successful in reducing traffic collisions, the county officials could consider applying similar measures to other high-collision corridors in the region.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol are actively collaborating to enforce these safety measures and ensure compliance. Despite the precautions taken, some residents have expressed concern about the reopening of the road.
And while there is a chorus of voices advocating for a more permanent closure, Supervisor Horvath clarified that the county lacks the authority to make such a decision.
Kraig Hill, a city of Malibu planning commissioner, expressed skepticism regarding the adequacy of the implemented safety measures to address the ongoing racing concerns.
On the other hand, Deana Kerns, a resident with a long-standing connection to the area, observed how the allure of "the Snake" has grown over the years, drawing racers from near and far.
"The Snake" itself has faced challenges in recent years, being damaged during the 2018 Woolsey fire and subsequently impacted by heavy rains in early 2019.
Despite these setbacks, the road remains a significant attraction for car racers, motorcyclists, and bicyclists alike, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.
