Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that San Francisquito Canyon Road, between the Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys, will be re-opened on July 5.  Closed earlier this year due to severe storm damage, the roadway will be open to allow through traffic in both directions for the first time since January

A 1.8 mile portion of the road, between Dry Gulch Road and the San Francisquito Ranger Station, consists of unfinished roadway commonly known as the “By-pass.”  Due to a narrow bridge and other potential dangers, traffic in the by-pass will be permitted under the guide of a pilot car to ensure safe travel at reduced speed.  Please expect delays as motorists will be asked to drive in line behind the pilot car. 

Traffic operations will be daily, Monday through Friday, from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in both directions.  The road will be closed at all other times for continued storm repair work.  These hours are subject to change due to construction or subsequent storms.   

The road sustained major damage from last winter’s storms, prompting a complete closure until the damage could be assessed and repaired.  In order to prevent future washouts, a new road alignment (in the by-pass section), which includes a new bridge, must be built.  Public Works is obtaining the necessary local, State, and Federal environmental permits before construction can begin.  Other major road repairs on San Francisquito Canyon Road are now completed.

“San Francisquito Canyon is an essential commuter link for residents of Green Valley, Lake Hughes, Leona Valley & Lake Elizabeth, who have faced delays on other routes,” said Supervisor Antonovich.  “Although the completion of the entire roadway will take several more months, I am pleased that we are now able to permit travel along San Francisquito during the morning and evening commuter windows.”  For information on roads in unincorporated Los Angeles County, please visit www.ladpw.org.