Scenic stretch of Angeles Crest Highway reopens following lengthy closure to fix storm damage

"Heavy rains during the back-to-back stormy winters of 2022 and 2023 triggered slope failures and rock slides, and collapsed pavement along the road - also known as Highway 2, which runs alongside Angeles National Forest. Further damage followed in September 2024, when the Bridge fire burned sections of Angeles National Forest and raged across the highway. New guardrails, retaining walls, erosion control and drainage systems were put in place to address the destruction."

""For some, taking the long way around could have not been an option for them. It could be too long to walk, too time-consuming or too expensive for the gas," said Jeff Hester, a hiker and creator of the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks hiking challenge. "A lot of people really enjoyed that drive and being able to explore places that they might not have seen otherwise. Having that reopened gives them access to that again.""

A 10-mile section of Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) reopened after being closed for years due to storm, slope and rock-slide damage and additional fire impacts from the 2024 Bridge fire. Repairs included new guardrails, retaining walls, erosion control and improved drainage systems, costing about $7.9 million. The closed segment between Islip Saddle and Vincent Gulch remained shut until reopening. California Department of Transportation inspectors cited changing weather and the need for in-person evaluations as reasons for the lengthy closure. Reopening restores access to trails such as Vincent Gulch and Mt. Baden-Powell and is expected to improve visitor access and management.

Read at Los Angeles Times