The California Department of Transportation and the California Highway Patrol announced Thursday that the southbound lanes of I-15 through the Cajon Pass had been reopened. The No. 1 lane remains closed from Oak Hill Road to Kenwood Avenue for Caltrans crews to fix damaged guardrails and make other necessary repairs, according to a press release. Northbound I-15 reopened late Wednesday evening, except for the No. 4 lane.
The interstate shut down completely starting Tuesday morning, Aug. 16, when the Blue Cut fire began to threaten motorists and residents of the area. Tens of thousands of residents were forced to evacuate and nearly a dozen roadways closed.
The wildfire began at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and closed I-15 from Interstate 215 to Main Street in Hesperia, as well as State Route 138 from State Route 173 to State Route 18. A portion of SR 138 has reopened from Summit Valley Road to SR 173.
The fire is expected to move north towards the towns of Wrightwood, Victor Valley, and the community of Lytle Creek. More than 34,000 structures in the area remain under threat from the blaze, according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.
The following detours will remain in place for motorists:
Eastbound I-10 to eastbound SR-62 to northbound SR-247 to westbound SR-18 to I-15 northbound.
Northbound I-5 to northbound SR-14 to eastbound SR-58 to I-15.
SR-18 south through Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley, and Big Bear to SR-330 south to I-210 (not recommended for trucks or oversized loads).
