SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY — Vehicle access to Happy Jack’s Bridge in Lytle Creek has been restored following damage caused by a severe storm on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24. Public Works crews regained vehicle access to the roadway on Sunday, and a licensed structural engineer has confirmed the bridge is structurally sound and safe for use. Public Works has received authorization to reopen Happy Jack’s Bridge.
Due to ongoing construction activities and limited access in the area, bridge access is currently restricted to residents only. Public Works crews continue working in the creek, roadway, and nearby sewer system. 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.
San Bernardino County was impacted by a severe storm on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24. The storm brought historic rainfall to the Bridge Fire burn scars in the mountain communities of Wrightwood and Lytle Creek. Wrightwood recorded 11.23 inches of rain in a 24-hour period, while Lytle Creek received 11.31 inches.
County crews were pre-activated ahead of the storm and began working on Christmas Eve, operating around the clock to address mud and debris flows caused by the intense rainfall. 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.
San Bernardino County Fire, the Office of Emergency Services, and Public Works worked collaboratively to support the affected 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.
After the storm subsided, residents were able to safely hike across the creek crossing to obtain essential supplies. The American Red Cross was also on site to distribute resources to residents.
For more winter storm information and resources, please visit https://prepare.sbcounty.gov/.
