A portion of southbound Interstate 15 at the Cajon Pass that collapsed during Friday’s torrential rain storm has reopened, according to Caltrans.
During the downpour, a dry creek bed that runs along the southbound side of the interstate overflowed and washed away the rock slope protection below the roadbed and caused the shoulder and number 5 lane of the freeway to collapse for a 200 foot section of the route.
The interstate’s failure caused a San Bernardino County fire engine to dangle and eventually topple over the side of the road. Officials said all firefighters got out safely.
Aftermath of massive storm that hit SB 15 just below SR 138 #CAstorm pic.twitter.com/W5btyfuVcn
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) February 18, 2017
In order to make the emergency repairs, Caltrans District 8 Director, John Bulinski, signed an order early Saturday morning to
begin work immediately.
Caltrans officials said via Twitter Sunday that four lanes on the I-15 were open between SR 138 and Cleghorn Road, but with “reduced lane width.” Motorists are urged to drive with caution through the area.
Additionally, SR 138 west and east of I-15 were closed due to flooding and debris flow from Friday’s storm, but as of 1:18 a.m. Sunday morning, Caltrans reported the westbound side of the route was open to southbound I-15.
–Staff