CASTAIC, Calif.(KABC) — SoCalGas says a geologist has determined that notable land movement near a natural gas pipeline in Castaic likely caused it to rupture over the weekend, according to a preliminary examination.
Eyewitness News spotted the land movement in the area when the incident happened on Saturday.
The incident was initially reported just before 4:30 p.m. Natural gas leaked from a main gas line just east of the southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway near the intersection of Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place.
Fire officials confirmed the leak came from a 34-inch transmission line — a major natural gas pipe that runs near the freeway. Officials explained that the pipe was under extreme pressure, and when it failed, the gas was released forcefully, kicking up dirt and debris, which was visible to drivers in the area.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Natural gas leak causes major disruption on 5 Freeway in Castaic
Crews Continue Repairs After Landslide on 5 Freeway Near castaic
Crews continued working on repairs Monday following a landslide that shut down traffic on the 5 Freeway near Castaic over the weekend. The area is known for its potential for landslides,according to the california Geological Survey.
A map from the California Geological Survey highlights slide danger zones in the same location as Saturday’s land movement, which occurred near Ridge Route Road. The closure impacted traffic in both directions for hours.
This isn’t the first time a significant slide has impacted this stretch of the 5 Freeway. A large slide at the top of the Castaic grade occurred on January 14, 2023, leading to a long-term hill stabilization project and a reduction in the number of northbound lanes for several months.
Just months later, on March 30, 2023, another landslide occurred beneath the southbound lanes, causing lanes to collapse as the slide grew. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) stabilized the area by driving huge metal girders into the earth, allowing for the rebuilding of the southbound lanes. https://abc7.com/castaic-landslide-5-freeway-closed-traffic-update/14649116/
The ongoing repairs and history of landslides in the area underscore the geological challenges of maintaining this vital transportation corridor.
Copyright © 2024 KABC television, LLC. All rights reserved. (Note: Corrected copyright year to 2024 based on current date).