SR-38 to see delays, lane restrictions Saturday for REVEL Big Bear Marathon

Drivers heading to or from Big Bear on Saturday, Nov. 7, should expect significant delays and temporary lane closures on State Route 38 between Mentone and Big Bear as runners take part in the REVEL Big Bear Marathon and Half Marathon^[1]. The highway will not be completely closed, but restrictions begin as early as 5:30 a.m.^[1]. For valley residents, that means SR-38, one of the routes between Big Bear and the San Bernardino Valley, will be slow for much of the morning, so drivers planning to take it down the hill should allow extra time.

What drivers can expect

From Angelus Oaks to Jenks Lake Road, only upbound traffic toward Big Bear will be permitted beginning at 5:30 a.m. Downbound traffic from Big Bear will be restricted until approximately 10:00 a.m.^[1].

Between Angelus Oaks and Bryant Street, multiple California Highway Patrol pilot cars will guide traffic from 5:30 a.m. until approximately 11:00 a.m. The system will work like a construction zone, with traffic moving in alternating directions^[1]. The announcement warns of significant delays and says drivers should not proceed without a pilot car when one is required^[1].

Residents of Angelus Oaks and Forest Falls will be able to travel through designated areas using pilot cars^[1].

Lower-elevation closures

On Valley of the Falls Drive, the roadway between SR-38 and Canyon Drive will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6:15 a.m., after which normal traffic resumes^[1].

In Mentone and Redlands, SR-38 (Mentone Boulevard) will remain open, though officers will temporarily hold traffic for runners. Crafton Avenue will serve as the primary north-south route^[1]. San Bernardino Avenue between Wabash Avenue and Dearborn Street will be closed from 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, until 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7^[1].

The notice urges drivers to allow extra travel time, follow CHP instructions and posted traffic controls, and watch for runners along the roadway^[1].