State Route 2 Emergency Highway Repairs
Location
State Route 2 (SR-2) / Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles County in Angeles National Forest.
The Project
There are multiple emergency projects to repair damage to the highway and its slopes and embankments.
Background
Relentless storms from the winter of 2022/2023 caused excessive damage to SR-2 that includes sections of collapsed roadway, slope failure, rockslides, drainage, and a damaged elevated cable-mesh drapery system that will need to be replaced. Several retaining walls need to be constructed.
Benefits
The areas of reconstruction will be reinforced and stabilized with the intent to prevent future highway, slope and embankment failures in the same locations and maintain a safe travel route.
Parameters
SR-2 is closed from east of Mount Wilson Red Box Road to just west of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road and from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gulch.
Schedule
The section of SR-2 from Mount Wilson Red Box Road to just west of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road may remain closed into spring. The section of SR-2 from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gulch is closed annually during the winter due to hazardous road conditions. It will probably remain closed through summer of 2024 for repairs.
FAQs
Q: Can the public access State Route 2 from Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road?
A: Yes. From I-210 you may take Angeles Crest Highway to Angeles Forest Highway to Upper Big Tujunga Road back to Angeles Crest Highway. SR-2 is closed at Islip Saddle. Check https://dpw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/ for closures of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road.
Q: Why is it taking so long to repair?
A: Members of the Caltrans (District 7) Geotechnical Division had to review damaged sections of highway in person and through drone aerial video to assess damage that continued to change and increase every time it rained. The Design Division must create plans to repair every section of damage and for the construction of new retaining walls. The Environmental Division had to secure permits from state and federal agencies.
Reparation of slopes and embankments is a slow and dangerous process that includes rock scalers and heavy equipment traversing steep inclines.
Where can I find updates?
Please watch for weekly updates with video at SR-2 on X (formerly Twitter) and for road closure updates at https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. News release updates are at District 7 News Releases.
Contact Information
Marc Bischoff
Public Information Officer
Caltrans – District 7
Marc.Bischoff@dot.ca.gov