CASTAIC – Repair work that forced three overnight closures of the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway in the Castaic area was completed early Tuesday, Sept. 13 — two days ahead of schedule.
As a result, Caltrans canceled additional overnight closures that were set for Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
The closures began last Thursday and were repeated on Sunday and Monday nights.
Crews completed the work early and the northbound shoulder lane opened for traffic Tuesday, Sept. 13, providing a total of three northbound lanes. The inside shoulder was paved for nearly two miles in the mountainous area where the Route Fire caused significant damage to two retaining walls on the freeway.
By Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, Caltrans anticipates a total of four northbound lanes will be open, including the shoulder lane. The far right lane will remain closed past that date as crews work behind a temporary concrete barrier (“K-rail”) to make repairs to the retaining walls, probably through early 2023, officials said.
“The safety of the motorists and truckers is our primary goal,” said Gloria Roberts, Caltrans District 7 Acting Director. “The Route Fire caused extensive damage to the two retaining walls, and northbound traffic cannot travel on the two right lanes until more permanent repairs are completed.”
The Route Fire, which began around noon on Aug. 31 alongside the Golden State (5) Freeway north of Lake Hughes Road, burned 5,208 acres, destroyed two structures and led to seven heat-related firefighter injuries.
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