SR-18 towards Big Bear reopens after icy conditions prompts closure

UPDATE @ 2:45 PM –– CHP is reporting that SR-18 is open now open in both directions. Motorist should check for chain restrictions before travel.

LUCERNE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — The California Highway Patrol has shut down Highway 18 at the Mitsubishi Cement Plant in both directions due to icy roadway conditions.

According to CHP incident logs, at about 10:48 am, dispatch received a call reporting icy conditions near Cactus Flats just north of Smarts Ranch Road along SR-18. About a minute later there was a report of 20 vehicles sliding and crashing into the guardrails in that area.

Nearly an hour later at 11:36 am, callers reported 60 vehicles stuck on the highway and that there were “several near misses,” per CHP logs.

At 11:41 am, CalTrans was requested for a hard road closure at Delta Road.

According to a CHP – Victorville Facebook post, multiple motorists are currently stuck within the closure and are being assisted. Motorist are advised to use an alternate route if planning on traveling to Big Bear.

SR-18 at the Mitsubishi Plant is closed in both directions due to icy roadway conditions. 

A SIG-Alert was issued at 12:02 pm, and is expected to remain in effect for at least 2 hours.

This is a developing story and additional information will be updated as it becomes available.