Large Sinkhole Closes Highway 2 At Grassy Hollow

LOS ANGELES, CA — A large sinkhole has closed a section of Angeles Crest Highway in the Angeles National Forest until repairs can be made, authorities said Friday.

The sinkhole, on the eastbound lane west of the Grassy Hollow Visitors Center, is about 10 feet deep and may encroach into the westbound lane of the highway, also known as State Route 2, Caltrans said.

"This is a curvy, mountainous road that is popular with outdoor recreationalists, and it is normally closed during the winter between Grassy Hollow Visitors Center and State Route 39," Caltrans said. "This is the section that is now closed, using the winter gates, and no one is to enter the area."

Caltrans is securing a contractor for emergency repairs, which most likely will involve shoring up the walls, repairing about 200 feet of drain pipe, filling the void and repaving.

Once a contractor is in place, it may take up to 30 days before the route can be reopened, Caltrans said.

"Motorists and recreationalists need to avoid the area and use alternate routes," Caltrans said. "There will be heavy equipment moving on this two-lane, rural route. Caltrans reminds everyone to 'Be Work Zone Alert'."

— City News Service, photo courtesy of Caltrans