URGENT UPDATE: A major section of Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains remains closed due to severe damage caused by recent storms, officials confirmed today. The closure, affecting a stretch from Cedar Springs—approximately 3.3 miles east of Newcomb’s Ranch—to Highway 138, was announced by Caltrans on December 30, 2023.
The highway, also known as Highway 2, has sustained significant destruction at four distinct locations, prompting ongoing damage assessments. Caltrans shared alarming photos showing large sections of the road buckled and fragmented, with substantial pavement collapse evident across the thoroughfare.
Officials from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that storm runoff likely undermined parts of the highway, leading to these dangerous collapses. Assistant Director Mike Leum highlighted the hazardous icy conditions, noting that a fire engine recently spun out on large patches of ice and required towing to safety.
Leum warned that repairs could take considerable time, with uncertainty surrounding how long the highway will remain closed. Adding to the urgency, additional storms are forecasted for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, which may further impact the roadway’s condition and repairs.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for much of Los Angeles County, anticipating rain that could exacerbate the already precarious situation.
Residents and travelers are urged to seek alternative routes as the situation develops. Stay tuned for further updates as assessments continue and repair efforts begin.
