D7-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 were 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 was replaced. Construction of two retaining walls was required.
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 was closed from east of Mount Wilson Red Box Road to just west of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road starting in March of 2023. It reopened to the public the morning of Friday, July 5, 2024. SR-2 is now open from I-210 to Islip Saddle (postmile 64.1).
SR-2 remains closed from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gulch to complete construction of a retaining wall and the roadway at postmile 65.3. That section is expected to remain closed until the end of 2024, possibly longer with winter storms coming.
In September of 2024, a wildfire known as the Bridge Fire caused extensive damage to Angeles National Forest and the section of SR-2 between postmiles 75.3 and 82.26 (the Los Angeles/San Bernardino County line). An Emergency Director’s Order was approved to repair damaged guardrail and slopes, install erosion control, repair damaged drainage systems, and remove hazardous trees.
As a result of both repair zones, SR-2 is closed in both directions from Islip Saddle (postmile 64.1) to Big Pines Highway (postmile 79.9). This section will remain closed until spring once winter storms create hazardous road conditions. The fire damaged section from Vincent Gulch to Big Pines Highway will probably remain closed through summer of 2025.
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. Repairs on the lower section continued during the rainy season. Every time it rains, the soil must dry for up to three days before work that involves excavators, bulldozers, compactors, and spider excavators can safely resume. The section between Islip Saddle and Vincent Gulch was closed to construction for the winter of 2023/2024 due to hazardous road conditions.
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