Angeles Crest Highway Closed Indefinitely After Storm Damage

Repair work underway, but Caltrans says reopening timeline unclear

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A portion of the Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles has been closed for about a month after recent storms washed away parts of the road. Caltrans crews are working to remove debris, repair soil and slide embankments, and rebuild the highway in several washed-out areas, but the agency says the highway will remain closed indefinitely as the full scope of the damage is assessed.

Why it matters

The closure of the Angeles Crest Highway is impacting access to popular ski areas and hiking spots in the Angeles National Forest, forcing visitors to find alternative routes. The extensive damage and high repair costs highlight the challenges California faces in maintaining its critical transportation infrastructure in the face of increasingly severe weather events.

The details

According to Caltrans spokesperson Monica Ruvalcaba, the highway is closed for about a 30-mile stretch starting at Newcomb's Ranch and extending to Big Pines Highway. The agency says the scope of the repair work includes debris removal, soil and slide embankment repairs, and completely rebuilding portions of the highway that were washed out. Caltrans estimates the initial repair cost at $16.8 million, but notes that figure is likely to increase as the full extent of the damage is assessed.

  • The highway has been closed for about a month since the Christmas week storms.
  • Caltrans says the highway will remain closed indefinitely as repair work continues.

The players

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and repairing the state's highways and transportation infrastructure.

Monica Ruvalcaba

A spokesperson for Caltrans who provided updates on the Angeles Crest Highway closure and repair efforts.

Brianna Webber

A visitor from Kansas who had to adjust her trip to the Angeles National Forest due to the highway closure.

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What they’re saying

“The scope of the work includes debris removal, soil and slide embankment along with rebuilding the highway because there were several portions that were washed out.”

— Monica Ruvalcaba, Caltrans Spokesperson (abc7.com)

“We were planning on going to Cooper Canyon and it said just a few miles up, it was closed off and so, kind of had to re-route a little bit.”

— Brianna Webber (abc7.com)

What’s next

Caltrans says the cost of repairs will likely increase as the full extent of the damage is assessed, and the agency has not provided a definitive timeline for when the highway will reopen.

The takeaway

The closure of the Angeles Crest Highway highlights the growing challenge California faces in maintaining its transportation infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events driven by climate change. As storms become more frequent and severe, the state will need to invest significantly in resilient infrastructure to ensure critical routes remain accessible for residents and visitors.