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Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol-Newhall.

Snow In Grapevine Could Prompt 5 Freeway Closure Over Thanksgiving Weekend   

The California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are planning on using the new Grapevine gate if snow forces a closure of the 5 Freeway during Thanksgiving weekend, officials said Tuesday. 

In October, Caltrans announced the addition of the Grapevine gate to the 5 Freeway located in the median just north of Lake Hughes Road in Castaic, said Officer Eric Priessman, a spokesperson for the CHP Newhall Area Office.

The purpose of the gate is to allow CHP officers and Caltrans workers to turn motorists driving on the northbound 5 Freeway around when the Grapevine is closed due to snow or icy road conditions, according to officials.

See Related: New Grapevine Closure Gate On 5 Freeway Allows Drivers To Turn Around In Castaic

Prior to the installation of the Grapevine gate, CHP would have all northbound traffic exit the freeway in Castaic, which was difficult to do, according to officials. 

“In the event of Operation Snowflake and we shut down the freeway, using Parker Road, which is a small road, it is hard turning around big rigs,” Priessman said. “This will allow traffic to be turned around on the freeway.” 

Due to this storm potentially being the first time officials could use the Grapevine gate, the CHP is finishing up plans on how to best execute who turns around and who exits the freeway, according to officials.   

On Wednesday, the CHP is set to participate in a Maximum Enforcement Period, Priessman said. 

During this time, there is an increase of officers patrolling the roadways assisting in searching for drunk drivers in an effort to keep the roads safe. 

During the later part of Wednesday, the National Weather Service is predicting that up to six inches of snow could fall in the Grapevine area, which could potentially shut down the 5 Freeway in Castaic. 

See Related: Snow In Grapevine Expected For Thanksgiving Weekend

Despite Wednesday being one of the busiest travel days for Americans, the CHP is not planning on conducting escorts through the pass if it is closed, Priessman said. 

Last Thanksgiving, Santa Clarita residents voiced concerns in regards to heavy traffic through the Castaic area due to the repaving project on the 5 Freeway. 

“Caltrans has no closures related to construction on the I-5 at this time,” said Michael Comeaux, a spokesperson for Caltrans. “The major construction that was ongoing a year ago has been successfully completed.” 

Caltrans is aware of the upcoming storm and has crews in place ready to work to clear roadways from either mudflow, ice or snow, according to officials. 

“We are hopeful by the public being aware of the upcoming storm, they will have advanced notice to plan ahead and not travel on I-5 if they can avoid it,” Comeaux said. 

In the event the Grapevine does close, the CHP and Caltrans are hopeful that the gate will be a success in relieving congestion on the 5 Freeway.      

For those planning on traveling north through the Grapevine during the Thanksgiving Holiday detours are available by clicking here. 


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Snow In Grapevine Could Prompt 5 Freeway Closure Over Thanksgiving Weekend   

One comment

  1. I wish it were called something other than ‘Operation Snowflake’…’Snowflake’ has taken on a whole new meaning anymore.

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About Louie Diaz

Louie was born and raised in Santa Clarita. At the age of two Louie lost his vision due to a brain tumor. However, Louie doesn't let blindness stop him from doing what ever it is he wants to accomplish. Growing up some of his favorite hobbies were wood working, fishing and riding bikes. Louie graduated from College of the Canyon in December of 2017, with a Broadcast Journalism degree. Growing up Louie has always wanted to be a fire fighter or a police officer, but because of his blindness Louie knew that wouldn't work. Louie has always loved listening to police and fire radio traffic, using a scanner, and he figured if he was going to listen to the scanner so much, he should do something with it.