Mini Trip San Diego to SF..skirting fire damage

Question

We did our drive from San Diego to San Francisco today, Wednesday January 29.

We departed SD at 830 and went 5 to 405 mostly using HOV...part of HOV has been replaced in Orange County by Express Lanes requiring Fastrak...we were just as fast.

Starting around Crenshaw traffic got really heavy...even HOV sometimes went only 25 mph but we never stopped. This was through Santa Monica and 10...there was a sign around Santa Monica advising that one could not enter the Pacific Coast Highway going north. After we got on 101, there was a sign noting closures in Topanga Canyon. 101 moved briskly. There are no indications visible from 405 or 101 of fire damage.

Santa Barbara area of 101 had only one split road construction. King City area 101 construction completely finished.

Wrote this just to confirm one can go 405 and 101 with no fire or smoke delay. Of course, Los Angeles traffic presents it's own challenges.

Answer

Thank you for the detailed trip report. Based on your experience, it appears that the drive from San Diego to San Francisco via the 405 and 101 is clear of any significant fire-related delays as of late January. Traffic through Los Angeles remains a challenge, particularly in the Santa Monica and Crenshaw areas, but the HOV lanes, while slow, continue to move without complete stops. Express Lanes in Orange County replacing some HOV sections do not necessarily save time unless you have a FasTrak transponder.

Key observations from your drive that may help other travelers:

The Pacific Coast Highway northbound may have restrictions around Santa Monica, so plan alternate routes if you intended to take PCH.
Topanga Canyon closures are noted from the 101, but traffic on 101 itself moves briskly, indicating that the main route is clear.
Construction on 101 in the Santa Barbara area and King City is minimal or finished, so those areas should not significantly slow travel.
No visible fire damage or smoke impacts were noted from the 405 or 101 corridors, making the drive safe and scenic.

Recommendations for travelers considering this route:

Leave early to avoid peak traffic in Los Angeles, especially around Santa Monica and Crenshaw.
Use 101 for long stretches north once past the LA metro area, as it flows well and avoids local detours.
Check for any last-minute construction updates or lane closures on Caltrans or Google Maps before departure.
Plan fuel and rest stops accordingly, as some smaller towns along 101 may have limited services.

Overall, for a mini-trip from San Diego to San Francisco, the 405/101 route remains viable and relatively unaffected by fire damage as of your report. Just allow extra time for Los Angeles traffic and follow posted signage for temporary closures or detours.