Phelan Road Bridge Reopens Ahead of Schedule after Tropical Storm Hilary Damage

Piñón Hills, Calif. (VVNG.com) — The Phelan Road bridge, which sustained severe damage during a powerful tropical storm, has now reopened to vehicle traffic ahead of the initially projected schedule.

Following its closure at the end of August due to the extensive destruction caused by the storm, the Board of Supervisors and county leadership recognized the critical importance of this thoroughfare to the High Desert community and swiftly prioritized its emergency repair.

Working in close collaboration with partner agencies, the Public Works Department diligently addressed the damage and successfully reopened the road.

Extending their heartfelt appreciation, the Public Works Department expressed gratitude to the community, partner agencies, and county leadership for their concerted efforts, which facilitated the swift completion of the repair work within an impressively short timeframe.

The storm, chronicled in an article by Don Fisher at Tri-Community News Plus, vividly captures the events of that fateful summer day in August of 2023, as Tropical Storm Hilary unleashed its force. The impact of the storm on the Tri-community area, including Phelan, Pinon Hills, and Wrightwood, was detailed in his report.

The closure of roadways, the substantial rainfall, and the associated challenges brought about by the storm are also vividly depicted in Fisher’s account. It recounted the efforts of various organizations and authorities to mitigate the storm’s aftermath, underscoring the unity and resilience of the community in confronting the adversity brought on by the natural disaster.

For further details and an in-depth look at the Phelan Road bridge replacement project, including the repair process and additional project information, a video has been made available, offering valuable insights.

You can view the video here for a comprehensive overview of the bridge replacement in Phelan.