4:20 p.m.: Officials with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District confirmed one lane of traffic is now open in each direction on Malibu Canyon Road between Piuma Road and Mulholland Highway, but repairs could take “several days” depending on the extent of the break.
A sludge-type material known as biosolids spilled into the road in the area from an eight-inch pipeline that pumps up Malibu Canyon Road, said David Lippman, director of facilities and operations for Las Virgenes. The pipeline is approximately 20 years old, Lippman said, which is considered “middle aged.”
“The line has been turned off and stopped flowing,” he said. “We’re in the process of cleaning it up.”
Officials won’t know how long traffic will be down to one lane each way until they determine the cause of the problem, but if the source of the break came from an attachment to the main line, it will be an easier fix.
Original post: A severe sewage pipe break shut down traffic on Malibu Canyon Road between Piuma Road and Mulholland Highway on Thursday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol and City of Malibu.
The break was first reported at 1:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of Las Virgenes Road. CHP was at the scene to help with traffic control, as drivers were forced to turn around and take alternate routes.
According to the CHP site, the break is going to require a multi-day fix with temporary signage and cones diverting lanes.
Details of what caused the break and how long it will take to repair are not yet clear. Calls to the Las Virgenes Water District were not returned. Check back as more information becomes available.