After extensive repairs due to severe weather damage and the impact of the Bridge fire, a 10-mile stretch of the Angeles Crest Highway has been reopened. Caltrans announced that the closure, which began following the 2022–23 winter storms that caused washouts and slope failures, has finally concluded with the highway accessible once again in both directions between Interstate 210 and State Route 138. According to KTLA, the emergency repairs have included the addition of retaining walls, replacement of a damaged elevated cable-mesh drapery system, and the installation of new drainage and guardrails, totaling about $7.9 million.
The reconstruction, which involved rebuilding damaged slopes and reinforcing the areas to better withstand future inclement weather, is now complete. Caltrans officials told CBS Los Angeles that the restoration work was essential for restoring full access to this key route. The reopening comes just before the Labor Day weekend, a time when many are expected to visit the scenic trails that connect to the highway.
The Angeles Crest Highway, also known as Highway 2, runs adjacent to the Angeles National Forest and is a critical access point for popular hiking trails such as Vincent Gulch and Mt. Baden-Powell. The recent repairs have addressed destruction from rock slides and damaged pavement, which caused this major thoroughfare to remain closed for years. These improvements, as noted by The Los Angeles Times, also include new guardrails and erosion control strategies.
Local hiking communities have responded positively to the news, with sentiments of relief and anticipation for the opportunities that the highway's reopening brings. Jeff Hester, a hiker and creator of the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks hiking challenge, explained to The Los Angeles Times, "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." Moreover, Justin Rimon, founder of the L.A.-based outdoor group Just Trek, suggested that the restored access will help to reduce congestion at some of the most popular trailheads that have become overcrowded due to the closure.
However, accompanying the good news are concerns over the timing of the reopening. With Labor Day weekend potentially drawing larger crowds to the region, the U.S. Forest Service has declared an extreme fire danger level for the Angeles National Forest. In light of the conditions, the Forest Service has prohibited campfires, stoves, barbecues, or open flames. Echoing the concerns, Rimon told The Los Angeles Times, "Since it's also Labor Day weekend, I'm worried people are not going to listen to the warnings, or they're not going to know that it's an extreme fire level in the Angeles Forest, and they're going to be cooking and grilling and celebrating. I wonder if the timing was right."
