Residents in the Happy Jack area of Lytle Creek were able to leave their neighborhood again on Sunday, Dec. 28 after being stranded there for days when the only bridge was severely damaged in Christmas Eve’s brutal storm.
“They’ve created a temporary bridge for vehicles to cross over,” said Shawn Millerick, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, referring to the work of county crews.
The damage occurred on Wednesday, Dec. 24, when storm runoff wrecked the bridge on Sycamore Drive — the sole route into the mountain community — carving away 20 to 30 feet of roadway and cutting off vehicle access for about 250 residents.
While some residents and emergency responders were later able to cross the creek on foot, fire engines and ambulances could not reach the area during the closure.
No injuries were reported as a result of the washout, fire officials said. County officials did not yet have an estimate for when the damaged bridge would be permanently restored.
Residents in the Happy Jack neighborhood said the washout left dozens of people — including elderly and disabled residents — without vehicle access for several days, prompting emergency responders to hike into the area and deliver water, generators and other supplies while crews worked to restore access.
County officials declared the area a disaster zone, allowing emergency crews to divert creek flow and begin repairs, including the construction of the temporary access road, residents said.
Evacuation warnings for the Lytle Creek community were lifted Friday afternoon, Dec. 26, though roads remained closed to the general public as crews continued repairs and damage assessments.
The Lytle Creek Community Center and Melody’s Place have continued serving as distribution points for food and water, with aid groups assisting residents during the closure, officials said.