California's Highway 1, a scenic stretch renowned for its breathtaking views, is facing significant disruptions due to recent landslides. This beloved route, which connects the picturesque towns of Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea, is currently closed for repairs after a portion of the southbound lane crumbled into the ocean. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced that the highway will remain closed indefinitely, creating challenges for both locals and tourists.
Photos from the area show a large section of the roadway missing, resembling a bite taken out of the asphalt. This latest incident underscores the ongoing struggle the region faces with natural disasters. The site is still recovering from landslides that occurred during last year's wet winter, which forced a lengthy closure of a significant 12.1-mile section along the coast.
Recently, Caltrans revealed that it has completed its design plans for repairs at Regent’s Slide, one of the major slide locations near milepost 27.8. Although the design awaits approval, the agency estimates it will take approximately 100 days to complete the necessary repairs once work begins. This situation highlights the importance of staying informed about road conditions and potential detours when traveling in this area.
As the situation evolves, Caltrans is actively monitoring road conditions and assessing the various slide sites, including Regent's Slide, Dolan Point Slide, and Paul's Slide. These sites have been significantly affected by the recent atmospheric rivers, which have caused substantial debris flow. Recovery efforts are underway, but ongoing rains present additional challenges to the restoration of this iconic highway.
Travelers planning to visit this area are advised to check Caltrans updates for the latest road conditions, closures, and alternative routes. The safety of both motorists and the integrity of the infrastructure remain top priorities as crews work diligently to address these issues.
A roughly 1.4-mile stretch of California’s famed Highway 1 between Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea closed Saturday after a portion of the southbound lane crumbled into the sea.
Highway 1 is closed indefinitely from Palo Colorado Road to Rocky Creek Bridge, the California Department of Transportation said on social media. Photographs of the closed section posted on the blog of Big Sur resident Kate Woods Novoa showed a large chunk missing from the side of the road, as if a hungry creature had taken a bite out of the asphalt.
It’s the latest setback for the beloved but volatile highway. The area is still struggling to recover from landslides triggered by last year’s soaking wet winter, which forced the closure of a
