Road buckled, twisted by mudslide in Santa Clarita Valley repaired, reopened

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- A 400-foot section of a bucking, twisted hunk of asphalt damaged by a torrent of mud last year was finally repaired and reopened Wednesday in the Santa Clarita Valley.

"I actually anticipated next year for it to be open. I did not think it would be this quick. Very happy, very pleased," Brian Higgins said. "The traffic around here, because it is a main artery to get in and out, has just been horrendous so this is just a good thing for the community."

Residents such as Higgins said with Vasquez Canyon Road being such a vital part of commuters lives in the area, its reopening is a big sigh of relief.

County workers were able to get the repairs done in less than a year at a cost of $4 million, which turned the once crumbled mess into an even, paved road.

Cyclists were also thrilled at the reopening of the road.

"When you look at thoroughfares as far as for commuters, this is a very important road. But also for long distance bike rides that use the foothills and the roadways through the Santa Clarita Valley," said Kevin Korenthal, with Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation.