Point Sal closure Published May 2, 2007 By 010407 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As of Jan. 1, Vandenberg officials have permanently restricted access to Point Sal, citing extreme safety concerns in the area. These concerns include steep cliffs and potential landslides due to coastal erosion. Prior to 1998, roadway access to Point Sal was via State Highway 1 to Brown Road, then to Point Sal Road, which wound over Point Sal Ridge to a dirt parking area--a distance of about 7 miles. Point Sal Road passed through Vandenberg AFB. The Air Force would temporarily close the road during missile launching activities because Point Sal is within the hazardous zone of North Vandenberg launches. In 1998, heavy El Niño rains destroyed Point Sal Road in several places, and the road remains closed. Barricades have been installed at Point Sal and the existing fence has been reinforced by base personnel. Signs have been posted to advise people of trespassing restrictions and violators will be cited.