Latest Update as of June 12, 2026: 

Los Angeles County remains committed to reopening the Zuma Beach underpass as soon as conditions safely allow while protecting sensitive ecological habitat.

 County crews removed the majority of accumulated sediment and debris from the underpass during the weeks of April 13 and April 20, 2026. After the debris was cleared, the underpass quickly filled with approximately 10 inches of persistent standing water due to seasonal site conditions, including elevated groundwater and surface water flowing from Zuma Creek. The County then shifted efforts toward evaluating dewatering options and coordinating with regulatory agencies regarding potential permitting pathways. 

Dewatering efforts were put on hold on May 7, 2026, after the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) directed the County to leave the existing site conditions as-is until groundwater levels lowered naturally. 

On June 11, 2026, County and City of Malibu staff met with the Regional Board leadership to revisit permitting options to dewater the underpass. At this meeting, the Regional Board indicated a willingness to consider the County’s request to dewater the underpass area.  

Next Steps

Los Angeles County, partner agencies, and stakeholders are actively coordinating on near-term solutions to flooding at the Zuma underpass and long-term strategies to maintain reliable access to Zuma Beach and Westward Beach Road.

The County will continue to:

• Monitor groundwater and creek flow conditions.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies regarding dewatering and cleanup activities.
• Pursue approvals necessary to remove remaining pooled water and sediment.
• Reopen the underpass once conditions allow safe vehicle access.

Additional updates will be posted on this webpage as new information becomes available.

Background

Seasonal flooding, accumulated sediment, and standing water near Zuma Creek can affect safe access through the underpass. This can result in temporary closures throughout the year.  

Because the underpass is located immediately adjacent to Zuma Creek, work in the area must comply with state and federal regulations designed to safeguard protected jurisdictional waters, sensitive habitat, and wildlife. This requires coordination with agencies including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Once the appropriate clearances are obtained from these agencies, debris-clearance work is supervised by a qualified biologist. All work must follow applicable permit requirements, including strict limitations on conducting work when Zuma Creek water is flowing through the underpass roadway.