This weekend, a group of RRPO board members gathered on the Old Ridge Route to jump start restoration efforts of the 1915 roadway. Armed with bags of Quickrete Commercial Grade Blacktop Repair, shovels, brooms, a leaf blower and a tamper, they set out to make history – or repair history!
Photo by Hugh “Jamie” Crawford
Potholes have plagued the Old Ridge Route, especially on the northern end which is open to travel year round. The over 100 years of rain, snow and vehicular travel, have taken a toll on the crumbling road surface.
The process started in July of 2023 when the Ridge Route Preservation Organization submitted a proposal to the Angeles National Forest for special permission to repair the historic road. Driven by the need for a safe road for emergency vehicles to travel, controlling erosion to the historic concrete and ease of access to historic sites, the Pothole Project quickly gained interest. We received clearance at the end of November 2023 and were set to start work after the spring rains.
Photo by Hugh “Jamie” Crawford
The small group got together, headed up by board member, Sydney Croasmun. Supplies were brought in by Croasmun and board member, Hugh “Jamie” Crawford. Each attendee brought tools, ready to make history. Starting at Sandberg’s, small to midsize potholes that affected the concrete surface were scoped out and patched.
Photo by Hugh “Jamie” Crawford
Potholes were cleared of debris. Volunteer, Nathan Beste, used a rake to spread Blacktop Repair. RRPO President, Michael Ballard, used a tamper, compacting newly laid material to support the crumbling roadway. Volunteer, Ian Pauly, swept the potholes clean and brought out bags.
Photo by Sydney Croasmun
The group filled 7 potholes between the site of Sandberg’s Summit Hotel and Granite Gate. This section has not had much attention since the road was bypassed in 1933. 17 bags of Quickrete Commercial Grade Blacktop Repair were used, totaling $259.59. Each pothole used between 2-3 bags and they were paid for by donations and membership dues.
This was the launch day of the Pothole Project and after this, the dates will be open to the public. If you’d like to volunteer, please fill out this form. If you’re interested on donating, please donate here. Memberships also help out immensely with this work!
