Vehicles again have access to Happy Jack’s Bridge in Lytle Creek following damage from a severe storm on Christmas Eve, San Bernardino County officials said Monday.
County Public Works Department crews restored vehicle access Sunday to Sycamore Drive and the bridge, and a licensed structural engineer has confirmed the bridge is structurally sound and safe for use, officials said. The bridge is currently restricted to residents only due to ongoing construction work and limited access in the area.
“Crews continue working in the creek, roadway and nearby sewer system,” according to a county statement. “For everyone’s safety and to allow crews to work efficiently, residents are asked to limit non-essential travel through the area while construction operations remain active. Emergency access is not affected, and motorists should follow all posted signage and traffic controls.”
The Christmas storm dropped historic rainfall on Bridge Fire burn scars in the mountain communities of Wrightwood and Lytle Creek, officials reported. Wrightwood recorded 11.23 inches of rain in a 24-hour period, and Lytle Creek received 11.31 inches.
One of the most significant impacts was the washout of Sycamore Road leading up to Happy Jack’s Bridge, which serves as the only main arterial route in and out of the community, according to the county.
Officials said crews were mobilized ahead of the storm and started working on Christmas Eve, operating around the clock to address mud and debris flows triggered by the heavy rain. The San Bernardino County Fire Department, the Office of Emergency Services and Public Works collaborated to support the impacted community while access was limited and repairs were underway.
“San Bernardino County Public Works crews, along with contracted equipment, worked as quickly and safely as possible to clear mud and debris from the bridge and place fill material to restore the crossing to operational status,” according to the statement.
After the storm left the area, residents were able to safely hike over the creek crossing to get essential supplies. The American Red Cross was also present to offer resources to residents.
On Dec. 24, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County and several other counties impacted by the storms, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Shasta. The next day county CEO Luther Snoke declared a local emergency. These declarations make the county and individual residents eligible for possible financial aid from the state.
Information on winter storms and public resources is available online at prepare.sbcounty.gov.
“We want to assure our communities that the Board of Supervisors and county departments stand with you,” county Board of Supervisors Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement. “We are focused on stabilizing our roads with an emphasis on safe access, as well as rounding up every available resource to keep you safe and assist you with your immediate needs and recovery.”
District 1 Supervisor Paul Cook thanked first responders and Public Works crews for their storm mitigation efforts and said the county government “would continue to coordinate with our state, federal and local partners to stabilize our infrastructure, clear mud and debris, keep residents informed, secure assistance, and achieve a full recovery.”
Rowe and Cook urged residents to adhere to all road closures and barricades, avoid driving through floodwaters and plan ahead before traveling.
In addition to the heavy debris flows and flooding in Wrightwood and Lytle Creek, with crews assisting with evacuating residents door-to-door, county fire officials reported an increase in swift water rescue calls, particularly in Hesperia, Phelan and Piñon Hills. Rescues in these areas included people trapped in vehicles. Multiple agencies assisted, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, CalFire, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Public Works personnel.
More than 120 county firefighters did storm mitigation work on Dec. 24 to assist residents who needed help evacuating. After life-safety issues were addressed, firefighters worked on “property preservation efforts” such as damming, diverting water and salvaging property at affected structures, officials said.
Many roads were closed last week due to mud, debris, roadway damage and flooding. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel and confirm routes are open before leaving, officials said.
The website quickmap.dot.ca.gov has a list of all state route closures. Visit bit.ly/4sb3D7s for a local list of updated road closures.
Prior to the storm, county departments and nonprofit contractors pre-positioned shelter resources and heavy equipment, coordinated staffing and prepared outreach and resource distribution with a focus on residents in mountain communities and other high-risk areas.
Public Works staged equipment and activated 24/7 crews in 12-hour shifts, monitoring flood control cameras and stream gauges, officials said.
