Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that a section of Highway 1 near Big Sur, severely damaged by recent storms, is set to reopen more than a week ahead of schedule on Friday, May 17. Caltrans will open the portion of Highway 1 closed by the Rocky Creek slip-out to traffic at 6:30 a.m., eight days sooner than previously expected.

Newsom stated, “Crews have been working day and night to quickly repair the damage to Highway 1 caused by recent storms, which has disrupted the lives of individuals living in and around Big Sur – limiting access to the area and hampering tourism. Thanks to their diligent efforts, traffic will resume eight days ahead of schedule – bringing relief and a sense of normalcy back to one of California’s most iconic coastal communities.”

The reopened portion of Highway 1 will feature a 24/7 signalized traffic control system. This temporary signal will allow unrestricted public access with one-way alternating traffic in both northbound and southbound directions.

Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said, “Highway 1 is the jewel of the California highway system and our crews have been working non-stop for the last month and a half so Californians can have unrestricted access to this iconic area of our state. I thank Governor Newsom, Senator John Laird and our elected officials for their unwavering support, the residents and businesses for their patience and the crews for reopening the roadway as quickly and as safely as possible.”

State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) expressed his gratitude saying, “We are deeply grateful to have Highway 1 open and functional an entire week ahead of schedule. I want to sincerely thank Caltrans and the people of Big Sur for their work, effort, and patience through this process. This was a true team effort."

On March 30, a rockslide below Highway 1 south of the Rocky Creek Bridge left the southbound lane partially undermined and impassable. Approximately 6 feet of the pavement and a portion of an unreinforced masonry retaining wall that supported the highway fell to the ocean about 170 feet below the road.

In order to stabilize the remaining southbound lane and preserve the northbound lane, crews drilled, installed, and grouted 40 vertical and 75 sub-horizontal steel elements into the slope. This work required Caltrans to close the roadway in both directions at Rocky Creek, aside from twice-daily convoys through the slip-out area.

Now that Caltrans has stabilized the southbound lane and preserved the northbound lane, they will continue to monitor and visually inspect the site. A project to construct a permanent repair to the highway at this location is currently in design phase, with an estimated completion date of spring 2025.

Earlier this month, Governor Newsom surveyed the work being done at Highway 1 slip-out and announced state action by signing an emergency proclamation. This action will help secure an estimated $100 million in federal funding for repairs to multiple areas of California impacted by recent storms.