California's Forbidden Highway: A Road that Has Never Reopened

:closed_lock_with_key:California's Highway 39 has been closed since 1978 and remains inaccessible to the public.

:mountain:Highway 39 was once considered one of the most scenic roads in California, winding through the San Gabriel mountains.

:earth_americas:The road begins near the Pacific Ocean in Huntington Beach and travels north for about 22 miles before ending.

:construction_worker:Efforts to repair and reopen the road have faced numerous challenges, including rockslides and funding issues.

:camping:The closed section of Highway 39 now serves as a popular hiking and biking trail.

Why was Highway 39 closed?

—Highway 39 was closed in 1978 due to a massive rockslide that made the road impassable. Efforts to repair and reopen the road have been hindered by funding issues and environmental concerns.

Is there any plan to reopen Highway 39?

—While there have been discussions and allocated funds for repairing the road, no concrete plans have been made to reopen Highway 39. The challenging terrain and environmental considerations make it a complex project to undertake.

What happened to the proposed repairs in 2009?

—In 2009, $32 million was allocated to fix the closed portion of Highway 39. However, the funds were redirected to repair a bridge on another highway, leaving Highway 39 in its closed state.

Can emergency vehicles access Highway 39?

—Emergency vehicles do have access to Highway 39 from time to time. However, the road is largely closed to the public and serves as a hiking and biking trail.

What is the current condition of the closed section of Highway 39?

—Despite being closed for over 40 years, the road is in surprisingly good condition. Some maintenance work has been done, including the installation of new guardrails in certain areas.

00:00Introduction to California's Highway 39, also known as the Forbidden Highway.

02:30Information about the road's origins and its current condition.

04:35Exploration of the closed section of Highway 39 and the reasons behind its closure.

07:30Discussion of the challenges faced in repairing and reopening the road.

10:40Highlights of the scenic views and the potential for hiking and biking in the closed section of the road.