Paul,
Gates are already there. There is a gate on each side of the dirt road sections. Right beside the "road closed" signs I mention in my previous post.
From the west end or Lake Silverwood side it is I guesstimate @ 6 miles.
From the East or Lake Arrowhead side it is 5 plus miles to the Bradford ridge trail head.
Perhaps it is time for you to do some exploring ?
Perhaps what the road closure is about is the washed out section which is about 1 mile before the gate. They will need to close the road there for some construction. ?
Perhaps some one up there in that area can clear this up as that news article left more questions than it answered. Also I wonder if access to the Lake Arrowhead Regional Airport will be effected and if so HOW. ?
Glad to help.