Caltrans is scheduled to host a virtual Public Scoping Meeting on Thursday, December 15th to discuss and consider the reopening of State Route 39. The meeting will be held online from 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m and will present 6 proposed options for the project which could restore access and connect Interstate-210 in Azusa to Angeles Crest Highway-2 near Wrightwood.

Project proposals for the meeting will include the following:

Alternative 1: Not opening the roadway

Alternative 2: Roadway will only be used for emergency service responders and maintenance access.

Alternative 3: Restricted roadway access for transportation shuttles and bicycle paths only, with plans for public parking lots.

Alternative 4: Fully open and rehabilitate the existing roadway for public traffic.

Alternative 5: Build a proposed bridge system next to the existing roadway that would bypass the slide area and allowing for full public access.

Alternative 6: Construct a singe travel lane that would be shared by all traffic and allow on-coming vehicles to pass safely.

State Route 39 has been closed to the public since 1978 due to damaging landslides and flooding. According to an article published by the Los Angeles Daily News, the consideration for reopening SR-39 was lead, in part, by the Azusa Chamber of Commerce and is also supported by Azusa Mayor, Robert Gonzales. The City of Azusa views this project as a positive connection between Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties that could alleviate traffic and provide more revenue for the business communities. But, opening the route can also mean negative effects on the environment and natural habits for mountain wildlife. Caltrans has included wildlife crossing structures for some of their proposed plans and could potentially be discussed further during Thursday’s meeting. To learn more about the project visit the Caltrans website and sign-up to attend the webinar at https://tinyurl.com/sr-39scoping.