Big Sur's scenic Highway 1 has faced significant disruptions recently, as a part of the roadway fell into the ocean due to severe weather conditions. This picturesque region, known for its breathtaking views and natural beauty, has been largely cut off from access for weeks. The impact on the local community and tourism has been profound, with residents and essential workers facing challenges in commuting and accessing services.
In a recent announcement, Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that the affected section of Highway 1 will reopen to the public ahead of schedule. This reopening comes as a relief to many who rely on this scenic route for travel and tourism, signaling hope for a return to normalcy in the area.
The repairs were completed under challenging conditions, showcasing the dedication and hard work of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). As the community eagerly anticipates reopening, the efforts put into stabilizing the roadway highlight the importance of infrastructure maintenance in preventing future disruptions.
Along an almost 40-mile stretch of Highway 1, Big Sur has been isolated from the rest of the state for weeks — with limited access for residents and essential workers — after a massive chunk of the roadway fell into the ocean in late March.
But on Friday — ahead of schedule — the damaged section of the scenic highway will reopen to the public, via an alternating single lane, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday at a news conference. The reopening, following major repairs and remediation completed under arduous conditions, restores access to several tourism hot spots along the roadway.
“Caltrans is working overtime,” Newsom said. “Subject to an act of God, extreme winds, unlikely rain … we’ll be able to achieve that: 6:30 [a.m.] this Friday, Highway 1 will be reopened.”
The California Department of Transportation had previously committed to reopening the section of damaged highway by Memorial Day.
The iconic route has been closed to the public since March 30, when torrential rains pounded the coast and a section of the southbound lane near the Rocky Creek Bridge collapsed, about 12 miles south of Carmel.
Officials have been working to confirm stability and restore access to the area using only the northbound lane, as it wasn’t damaged when the rockfall took a bite out of the southbound lane. Caltrans plans to use traffic signals to alternate vehicles traveling in both directions across the single lane, allowing for 24/7 traffic.
Newsom on Tuesday acknowledged the “deep anxiety” that residents and business owners had felt the last few weeks, coming and going only through twice-a-day convoys, which were canceled a few times due to weather concerns. The local chamber of commerce had urged expedited repairs to help avoid further losses during one of Big Sur’s peak seasons for tourism, the area’s largest industry
