San Bernardino Mountains highways remain closed
Two major freeways that closed off and on during Thursday because of snow were open Friday, Nov. 29, without restrictions.
Traffic was moving on the 5 Freeway over the Grapevine north of Los Angeles, and on the 15 Freeway in the Cajon Pass in San Bernardino County.
A jackknifed big rig, however, did prompt the closure of some northbound lanes on the 5 south of Highway 138. Traffic was backed up midday.
And a high-wind advisory was in effect for four miles north of Highway 126. Travel was not recommended for campers, trailers and permit loads, according to Caltrans.
On the southbound 15, south of Oak Hill Road, vehicles were swerving to avoid people parked along the side of the freeway to play in the snow.
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“They are going to get themselves killed,” one witness told the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP has been reminding motorists not to block traffic or park in turnouts to play in the snow.
Getting to snow country remained difficult Friday.
Portions of Highway 2 to Wrightwood were open but could close at Highway 138 if there is too much traffic, Caltrans said. The highway remained closed from Grassy Hollow to the Los Angeles County line. Highway 138 west of the 15 Freeway was open with CHP escort. The highway was closed near Silverwood Lake in both directions.
Highway 18 from south of Big Bear was closed at Green Valley Lake Road and from Lucerne Valley to Big Bear. Closures were set up at Baldwin Lake and Camp Rock Road. Upbound Highway 330 to Big Bear reopened only to residents with identification about 3:30 p.m. Highway 38 to Big Bear was closed to everyone. Highway 330 was closed from three miles north of San Bernardino; Highway 38 was closed at the Mill Creek Ranger Station. Residents will not be let through road closures, the CHP said.
Caltrans on Friday discouraged travelers from heading into the mountains until the roads can be cleared.
“We get the snow, and the communities are very enticing, but we need to get these roads safe for you to travel to them. Please wait until we can clear the roads to go. If the road is closed DO NOT attempt to go around our closures. We’re experiencing many people getting stuck on these roads and we can’t plow because they are in the way. This causes delays for everyone. And bring chains. Doesn’t matter your vehicle, you need them by law!” Caltrans said in a Facebook post.
Highway 74 between Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano, also known as Ortega Highway, was open Friday after a person died when his vehicle struck what the CHP described as a 500-pound boulder.
In Redlands, the 6th Street on-ramp to the eastbound 10 Freeway and the two right lanes will be closed for several days for emergency drain and collapse repairs, Caltrans said.
CHP officials reminded motorists to slow down and make sure their cars’ windshield wipers and tires are in good condition. Officials noted that roads can close and open at any time.
Updates on road conditions can be found on the searchable website at roads.dot.ca.gov and the Caltrans Quickmap at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
The storm that moved in Wednesday was expected to mostly dissipate by Friday night.