Stretch of Angeles Crest Highway Closed for Repairs After Heavy Rainfall

Caltrans says approximately 30-mile section will be shut down indefinitely as crews evaluate damage and begin restoration work.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:59am

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A stretch of the Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles County will be closed indefinitely as Caltrans crews assess and repair damage caused by heavy rainfall earlier this week. The closed section is about 30 miles long, starting 3.3 miles east of Newcomb's Ranch and ending at Big Pines Highway. Caltrans says the rain led to landslides, rockfalls, and slope erosion at roughly 40 locations along the highway, requiring projects like installing k-rail, repairing eroded slopes and embankments, and implementing erosion control measures.

Why it matters

The Angeles Crest Highway is a popular scenic route for drivers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Los Angeles area. This closure will impact travel and access to recreational areas in the San Gabriel Mountains while the repairs are underway. Caltrans is working to restore the highway as quickly as possible, but the extent of the damage means the closure could last for an extended period.

The details

Caltrans says the approximately 30-mile stretch of the Angeles Crest Highway will be closed until further notice as crews evaluate the damage and begin repair projects. The closed section starts 3.3 miles east of Newcomb's Ranch and ends at Big Pines Highway. Caltrans has identified around 40 locations along the highway that require work, including installing k-rail around washed-out shoulders and roadways, repairing eroded slopes and embankments, and implementing erosion control measures to prevent further damage.

  • The highway was closed after heavy rainfall earlier this week caused the damage.
  • Caltrans crews are expected to work on the repair projects in the coming days and weeks.

The players

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and repairing state highways and roads.

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What’s next

Caltrans has encouraged motorists to check its QuickMap for the latest updates on road conditions and closures along the Angeles Crest Highway as the repair work progresses.

The takeaway

This closure of a popular scenic route in the Los Angeles area highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events. The extensive damage will require a significant repair effort by Caltrans, underscoring the importance of investing in resilient transportation systems that can withstand the impacts of climate change.