Highway breakdown guide
I-5 breakdown guide: Castaic to the Grapevine
I-5 north of Newhall runs through Castaic and on toward the Grapevine, a steep stretch that closes in bad winter weather. Which CHP office patrols the road depends on where you are. This page covers the safe first moves, what Caltrans says about closures, and what to tell dispatch.
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Good to know on I-5 (Castaic & the Grapevine)
- Caltrans says full closures of I-5 for snow and ice happen an average of 3 to 5 times between October and April. They typically last 4 to 6 hours, and some last longer than 24.Source: Caltrans — Operation Snowflake flyer (rev. Dec 2019) (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
- The CHP, with Caltrans' concurrence, makes the decision to close the Grapevine. Neither agency forecasts a time for reopening.Source: Caltrans — Operation Snowflake flyer (rev. Dec 2019) (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
- The CHP's Fort Tejon Area defines the Grapevine as the stretch from Fort Tejon Road to Grapevine Road, with a steep 6% grade.Source: CHP (430) Fort Tejon Area (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
- CHP Fort Tejon is at 1033 Lebec Road, Lebec, and lists the phone number 661-248-6655.Source: CHP — Area Office Address Listings (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
- The CHP's Newhall Area includes the I-5 and SR-14 interchange and unincorporated Castaic.Source: CHP (540) Newhall Area (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
- A Caltrans District 7 page on a roughly 2017 to 2019 project describes 15.8 miles of I-5 rehabilitation in northern Los Angeles County, from the SR-14 separation to north of the Lake Hughes Road undercrossing.Source: Caltrans District 7 — I-5 Roadway Rehabilitation Project (work ran about 2017-2019) (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
What to do if you break down on I-5
If you are hurt or the car is blocking a lane, dial 911 before anything else. Otherwise signal early, ease off the gas and steer to the right shoulder without hard braking. Hazards on, belt on. Wait in the car and ring dispatch with the nearest exit name or town.
Winter closures over the Grapevine
Snow and ice can close I-5 for hours. Caltrans' own flyer says a closure usually runs 4 to 6 hours and can pass a full day. Check the Caltrans QuickMap before you set out on a cold night, and plan for a wait if the road shuts.
Which CHP office has your stretch
The Newhall Area covers Castaic and the interchange with the 14. The Fort Tejon Area patrols the Grapevine from its Lebec office. Describe your location with landmarks and exit names, and let dispatch work out the map.
I-5 (Castaic & the Grapevine) questions
How long does an I-5 snow closure last?
Caltrans' flyer says closures typically last 4 to 6 hours and some run past 24. It also says Caltrans and the CHP do not forecast reopening times.
Who decides to close the Grapevine?
The CHP makes the call with Caltrans' concurrence, according to Caltrans' Operation Snowflake flyer. Watch Caltrans QuickMap for the latest.
Broke down on I-5?
Dispatch answers 24/7. Call and we'll confirm your price before the truck rolls.