L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Santa Clarita, read in a motion Wednesday for the County to assume responsibility for Sloan Canyon Road in Castaic.
In an effort to ensure roadway safety and prevent future crashes on Sloan Canyon Road near Castaic High School, Barger read in a motion during Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting to accept a portion of the road into the county system of highways to allow for traffic safety studies by the Department of Public Works and traffic enforcement by California Highway Patrol.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic accidents that occurred on Sloan Canyon Road,” Supervisor Barger said. “The Castaic community should not live in fear that this road is unsafe for families. I am committed to working collaboratively to overcome bureaucratic hurdles that ultimately put pedestrians and drivers at risk.”
See Related: Castaic Residents Look To Put The Brakes On Speeding Issues Near High School
On August 8, 2021, a traffic accident on Sloan Canyon Road took the life of a teenager. Initial reports indicate that excessive speeds and illegal activity may have caused the crash. The vehicle, travelling at a high rate of speed, left the roadway, overturned, and landed in the backyard of a property along Sloan Canyon Road.
The California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are currently investigating the details of the crash. While those investigations were underway, another crash occurred on Sept. 11, 2021 adjacent to the site of the fatal collision involving another vehicle that left the roadway.
See Related: Overturned Car Catches Fire After Colliding With House In A Sloan Canyon Crash, Driver At-Large
The driver was not found, but law enforcement agencies believe excessive speed may have been a contributing factor, according to Barger.
“In addition to the safety measures we’re implementing on the road, I am committed to supporting efforts by law enforcement and the Hart School District to emphasize safe driving practices, especially for our youth,” Barger said. “I’m also thankful for the collaboration of the Castaic Town Council for advocating for the safety of residents.”
The segment of Sloan Canyon Road where the accidents took place, between Valley Creek Road and Quail Valley Road, opened to traffic in August 2019. The road was constructed by Romero Canyon, LLC as part of the Castaic High School project, which opened on Aug. 13, 2019.
Although this portion of Sloan Canyon Road is open to the public, the County had not yet accepted it into the County system of highways because the developer has not completed the required work on facilities within the road right of way. Until the road is accepted by the county, the Department of Public Works may not perform traffic safety studies that are under the purview of the developer.
In addition, law enforcement agencies have indicated that additional signage must be posted along this stretch of roadway to legally provide appropriate traffic enforcement for excessive speed. The motion by Supervisor Barger is expected to immediately address all these issues.
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