Highway 1 Conditions in Big Sur, California

UPDATE #13 (4/17/2024)
ROCKY CREEK REPAIRS CONTINUE WITH HORIZONTAL SUPPORT DRILLING AND ADDITION OF OVERNIGHT SHIFTS

Crews continue to make progress with edge stabilization work at the Highway 1 Rocky Creek slip out.

This first phase of the stabilization effort involves drilling, installing, and grouting in steel elements to stabilize the edge of the slip out. Last week crews completed installation of the vertical rock dowels. This week crews drilled anchor supports for deployment of a crane which is now in place and will allow crews to begin the installation of the horizontal rock dowels. This will be followed by an application of shotcrete to the sheer face of the rock slope.

The horizontal dowels will be installed in 5 rows and after each row is complete, the face of the rock slope will be treated with reinforcing shotcrete. There is a 12-hour cure time before crews can begin drilling work on the next horizontal row.

The rock dowels provide shear resistance along potential failure planes in the rock mass, the grout provides cementation and connection of the dowels to the rock mass, and the shotcrete facing distributes load to the dowels and protects the rock slope from wind and rain erosion.

Crews have installed a light tower on an outcropping above and adjacent to the slip out and crews performing drilling for the horizontal rock dowels will work their first overnight shift tonight. The plan going forward is for crews to work two 12-hour shifts per day.

This stabilization project is a temporary repair which will allow the resumption of unrestricted traffic flow through the area until a permanent fix can be designed and constructed that would restore the southbound lanes that were lost in the rockslide.

Caltrans recently estimated that the completion date for the initial stabilization work at the Rocky Creek slip out would be Memorial Day, May 27. This would mark the end of the current convoys and allow alternating one-way travel through the area without an escort using 24/7 signalized traffic control.

The current convoys are operated at 7 am and 5 pm and are intended for the use of local residents and essential workers only. Limiting the volume of vehicles through the repair site is one strategy which is helping manage the risks associated with conditions at the rockslide and with emergency response.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

Crews in a crane-suspended basket begin horizontal drilling to reinforce the slope below the roadway at the Highway 1 Rocky Creek slip out on April 17, 2024.

UPDATE #12 (4/13/2024)
ROCKY CREEK CONVOYS RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY APRIL 14
TO 12 NOON AND 5 PM DUE TO LINGERING RAIN

MONTEREY COUNTY- Daily convoys through the Rocky Creek slip out on Highway 1, regularly scheduled at 7 am and 5 pm, have been rescheduled for Sunday April 14, to 12 noon and 5 pm. This change in schedule is due to lingering wet weather forecasted to remain in the area Sunday morning.

It is anticipated that convoys at Rocky Creek will return on Monday April 14 to the regular schedule of 7 am and 5 pm. Crews on site at the Rocky Creek slip out have reported that the site has remained in good condition throughout this weekend's rain event.

The current convoys are intended for the use of local residents and essential workers only. Limiting the volume of vehicles through the repair site is one strategy which is helping manage the risks associated with conditions at the rockslide and with emergency response.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

UPDATE #11 (4/12/2024)
CALTRANS ANTICIPATES HIGHWAY 1 STABILIZATION WORK AT ROCKY CREEK TO BE COMPLETED BY MEMORIAL DAY

MONTEREY COUNTY - Caltrans today announced it anticipates completing the initial repair work to stabilize the edge of Highway 1 south of the Rocky Creek Bridge by Memorial Day, May 27. This would mark the end of the current convoys and allow alternating one-way traffic through the area without an escort using 24/7 signalized traffic control.

"We know how important Highway 1 is to the regional economy, especially during the summer, so we are working to reopen the roadway as quickly and safely as possible while at the same time making it more resilient to future extreme weather events," said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares.

Since the March 30 slip-out that temporarily closed the roadway, Caltrans has conducted geotechnical assessments, widened and improved drainage in the northbound shoulder area, placed concrete barriers along the centerline to channelize convoy passage, and hired a contractor to drill, install, and grout vertical rock dowels through the southbound lane pavement adjacent to the existing west edge of the roadway.

This will be followed by a longer phase of the work in which crews will drill, install, and grout horizontal rock dowels. Once the reinforcing dowels are in place, the repair design calls for crews to install reinforced shotcrete to the vertical face of the repair to help stabilize the roadway along the cliffside. The drainage improvements will also help the roadway better withstand extreme weather events, which are becoming more common in the area due to climate change.

The construction timeline is subject to change due to a number of factors, including wind and rain. Installation of the horizontal rock dowels requires a crane to hold a basket with crewmembers in it over the edge of the roadway. Winds cannot exceed 25 mph for these activities. The repair schedule may also be impacted by rain events and any change in site conditions.

Until Caltrans stabilizes Highway 1, it will continue using twice daily convoys to move only local residents and essential workers through the area. Limiting the volume of vehicles through the repair site helps to manage risks associated with conditions at the slip out and with emergency response. Once the roadway edge is stabilized, crews will install a temporary signal and open Highway 1 to unrestricted traffic under alternating one-way traffic control. One-way traffic control will continue until further roadway work is completed and the roadway has cleared safety inspections.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

UPDATE #10 (4/11/2024)
HIGHWAY 1 CONVOYS AT ROCKY CREEK CANCELLED FOR SATURDAY APRIL 13 DUE TO FORECASTED RAIN

MONTEREY COUNTY- Daily convoys at 7 am and 5 pm through the Rocky Creek slip out on Highway 1 will be cancelled on Saturday April 13, due to forecasted rain. Convoys are expected to resume at 7 am on Sunday April 14.

This cancellation is based on location specific forecast from the National Weather Service.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

UPDATE #9 (4/9/2024)
CONVOY SCHEDULE TO CHANGE ON HIGHWAY 1 EFFECTIVE WEDNESDAY APRIL 9 THROUGH ROCKY CREEK REPAIR SITE

MONTEREY COUNTY- Daily convoys on Highway 1 through the Rocky Creek repair site, previously scheduled for 8 am and 4 pm, will move to a 7 am and 5 pm schedule starting Wednesday April 10. The new 7 am and 5 pm convoy hours were decided on after consultations with community stakeholders and in collaboration with the Monterey County Department of Emergency Management.

Convoys are intended for the use of local residents and essential workers only. Limiting the volume of vehicles through the repair site is one strategy which is helping manage the risks associated with conditions at the slip out and with emergency response.

Public safety personnel have been consistent in their support for limiting convoys to residents and essential workers. There are limited public safety resources staged south of the closure area. Additionally, emergency responses through the closure area are complicated by the presence of heavy machinery staged in the northbound lane which could take up to an hour to remove.

Caltrans is reviewing daily updates from the National Weather Service which is forecasting rain later this week. An update on any possible cancellation of convoys will be provided on Wednesday April 10.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

UPDATE #8 (4/8/2024)
HIGHWAY 1 CONVOYS THROUGH ROCKY CREEK CONTINUE/MOBILIZATION BEGINS IN THE EFFORT TO STABILIZE THE HIGHWAY

MONTEREY COUNTY- The daily convoys on Highway 1 through the site of the Rocky Creek Slip Out will continue daily at 8 am and 4 pm following assessments by Caltrans engineers this weekend. These convoys are primarily intended for residents and essential employees. Convoys are expected to occur all this week due to favorable weather conditions.

Caltrans Engineers and contractor forces continue to monitor the site for any significant changes and the public will be advised of any modifications to this schedule.

The installation of K-Rail, crash cushions and temporary striping at the site was completed yesterday. Ongoing site preparations will continue today. The Contractor is scheduled to mobilize on Monday, April 8 with the drilling of vertical anchors in the southbound lane of Route 1 to begin on Tuesday, April 9.

The contractor is working with Caltrans through the weekend with the goal of having a schedule for the completion of the temporary roadway stabilization. Details of this operation, work hours and timetable will be announced when plans are finalized.

Updates on the status of the closure of Highway 1 at the Rocky Creek Bridge will be provided as more information becomes available.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

UPDATE #7 (4/6/2024)
HIGHWAY 1 CONVOYS THROUGH ROCK CREEK RESUMED THIS MORNING

MONTEREY COUNTY- The daily convoys on Highway 1 through the site of the Rocky Creek Slip Out resumed this morning, Saturday, April 6 at 8 am and are scheduled again at 4 pm following positive assessments by Caltrans engineers early this morning. These convoys are primarily intended for residents and essential employees.

Caltrans Engineers and maintenance staff continue to monitor the site for any significant changes and the public will be advised of any modifications to this schedule.

Activities this week included the addition of gravel to the drainage ditch off the shoulder of the northbound lane to ensure proper drainage through the site. Work was also completed to pave over a gravel-filled ditch and part of the dirt shoulder of the northbound lane to gain extra room in the travel lane.

Caltrans is continuing to focus on repair strategies to stabilize the edge of the roadway with details of this operation, work hours and timetable to be announced when details are certain. Work activities to commence this weekend include the installation of barrier to protect highway workers and temporary re-striping to accommodate equipment expected to be mobilized to this area.

Updates on the status of the closure of Highway 1 at the Rocky Creek Bridge will be provided as more information becomes available.

UPDATE #6 (4/5/2024)
HIGHWAY 1 CONVOYS EXPECTED TO RESUME THIS WEEKEND PENDING FINAL ASSESSMENTS BY CALTRANS ENGINEERS

MONTEREY COUNTY- The daily convoys on Highway 1 through the site of the Rocky Creek Slip Out are expected to resume on Saturday, April 6 at 8 am and again at 4 pm pending final assessments by Caltrans engineers scheduled to take place early tomorrow morning.

Caltrans Engineers and maintenance staff continue to monitor the site for any significant changes and the public will be advised of any modifications to this schedule.

Updates on the status of the closure of Highway 1 at the Rocky Creek Bridge will be provided as more information becomes available.

UPDATE #5 (4/3/2024)
HIGHWAY 1 CONVOYS CANCELLED THROUGH ROCKY CREEK
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY DUE TO FORECASTED RAIN

MONTEREY COUNTY- Travelers are reminded that due to rain in the forecast, daily convoy passage on Highway 1 will be cancelled for Thursday April 4, and Friday April 5, at the repair site south of the Rocky Creek Bridge.

Crews will be on site during all rain events to inspect for any changes in site conditions.

Convoys are expected to resume on Saturday April 6, at 8 am. Engineers will continue to monitor the site for any significant changes and the public will be advised of any modifications to this schedule.

During the 8 am convoy window today, crews counted 157 vehicles passing through in the northbound direction with 165 vehicles passing by in the southbound direction.

This week crews added gravel to the drainage ditch off the shoulder of the northbound lane to ensure that it is able to continue to provide drainage through the site. Crews were also able to place fabric down and pave over the gravel-filled ditch and part of the dirt shoulder of the northbound lane to gain extra room in the travel lane.

Crews are continuing to focus on strategies to stabilize the edge of the roadway and work will continue once the rain event passes.

Updates on the status of the closure of Highway 1 at the Rocky Creek Bridge will be provided as more information becomes available.

UPDATE #4 (4/2/2024)
HIGHWAY 1 CONVOYS THROUGH ROCKY CREEK CANCELLED
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY DUE TO FORECASTED RAIN

MONTEREY COUNTY– Due to rain in the forecast, daily convoy passage on Highway 1 will be cancelled for Thursday April 4, and Friday April 5, at the repair site south of the Rocky Creek Bridge.

Crews will be on site during all rain events to inspect for any changes in site conditions.

Note: Convoy access is limited to residents and essential workers only. The reduction of vehicles through the repair site is part of risk management efforts. These convoys are intended for essential travel only.

Engineering and construction crews continue their assessments of the slip out. In the coming days crews will place concrete barriers along 500 feet of the centerline of the roadway. Crews are focusing on strategies for stabilizing the edge of the roadway.

Updates on the status of the closure of Highway 1 at the Rocky Creek Bridge will be provided as more information becomes available.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

UPDATE #3 (4/1/2024)
CREWS CONTINUE TO ASSESS HIGHWAY 1 SLIPOUT NEAR ROCKY CREEK
FORECASTED RAIN MAY LEAD TO CANCELLATION OF CONVOYS

MONTEREY COUNTY - Caltrans engineers continue to assess a slip out of the roadway on Highway 1 just south of the Rocky Creek Bridge. The initial slip out and closure of the road took place on the afternoon of Saturday March 30.

Crews are continuing to gather information at the site which will inform next steps to stabilize the edge of the roadway and design a permanent repair. In the next several days crews will place 500 feet of concrete barriers along the centerline of the roadway. This will help define a channel for convoy vehicles to pass through and will provide protection for workers working on repairs.

Convoys are scheduled in the north and southbound directions through the repair site at 8 am and 4 pm daily. These convoys are operating under close supervision by engineers at the site. As announced earlier, convoys will be cancelled due to any observed change in site conditions and due to wet weather.

The forecast or the Big Sur coast calls for possible rain in the coming days. An update will be provided should there be a need to cancel convoys later this week.

Updates on the status of the closure of Highway 1 at the Rocky Creek Bridge will be provided as more information becomes available.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Convoys passing through northbound Highway 1 at the slip out south of the Rocky Creek Bridge on March 31.

Estimated reopening Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide is for late Spring 2024.
See latest Caltrans Press Release below the map.

Travelers in the Morro Bay - Cambria area will be able to travel north for over 47 miles from Cambria on Hwy. 1 until they encounter the turnaround at Limekiln State Park. All coastal businesses remain open.

As you can see on the map below Big Sur is separated into the northern section and the southern section. If you are coming from the south and want to visit the northern section you'll need to take Highway 101 to Highway 68 west (near Salinas) to Highway 1 south from Monterey. If you are coming from Los Angeles, this route adds only about 35 minutes to your drive. If you are coming from the north driving directions are as usual

To visit the southern section from the south, take Highway 101 north to Highway 1 and continue north.

To visit the southern section and then detour around to visit the norther section, take Highway 46 east to Highway 101 north, to Highway 68 west, to Highway 1 south to Big Sur. Reverse this if coming from the northern section.

Date: Friday, December 8, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #52
ESTIMATED REOPENING OF HIGHWAY 1 AT PAUL’S SLIDE
SET FOR LATE SPRING 2024

MONTEREY/SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – Caltrans today announced an estimated date for a full reopening of Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide of late spring 2024.

This estimated reopening is based on multiple months of work still needed to complete repairs at the site. Tasks that still remain include:

• The continued grading and contouring of the face of the slide to enhance stability of the slope.

• Continued delivery of fill material to the south end of the repair to support the new alignment of the road which will be elevated as much as 60 feet and slightly inland from its previous course. This new alignment also provides for an expanded catchment area on the inland side intended to keep future slide materials away from the roadway.

• Installation of a series of new culverts to convey water and debris under the roadway.

•Final surveys and paving of the road.

• Installation of protective rockfall barriers on the northbound side and guardrail in the southbound direction.

While Caltrans has confidence in the duration of the work necessary to complete the repairs, there is less certainty about how winter rains will affect this timetable.

Depending on the intensity and duration of a rain event, a single day of rain may delay production for multiple days. Production may be stopped to prepare the site in advance of forecasted rain. Once the rain event is over, resumption of production may be delayed due to saturation of the ground, or any damage caused by slide activity brought on by the rain.

Highway 1 remains closed to vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic for 1.5 miles, between Limekiln State Park to the south, and .6 miles south of the town of Lucia to the north.

Crews will continue to work seven days a week toward reopening of a road which the public can travel upon safely by late spring next year. Crews will continue to work in a manner which prioritize the safe working conditions of construction and maintenance crews.

Paul's Slide 12/8/23
Work on Paul's Slide looking north taken 12/7/23

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone: (805) 549-3138 (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #51
CREWS CONTINUE TO MOVE FILL TO SOUTH END OF PAUL’S SLIDE TO SUPPORT NEW ELEVATION OF ROADWAY

MONTEREY/SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – Crews continue to work seven days a week on repairs at Paul’s Slide on Hwy. 1 on the Big Sur coast. Highway 1 remains closed to vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic for 1.5 miles, between Limekiln State Park to the south, and .6 miles south of the town of Lucia to the north.

Crews are building up the elevation of the south end of Paul’s Slide to support what will be the new course of the roadway. The repair design calls for the highway to move slightly inland and to be elevated at the southern approach.

The repair design will also increase the catchment area on the inland side of the highway which will be separated from the roadway by concrete barriers and fencing.

Geotech and hydrological engineers have completed the drainage design for the repairs which will capture water and debris and convey it below the roadway.

Due to dynamic conditions at the repair site as well as anticipated impacts associated with inclement weather in the upcoming months, there is no estimated time for full reopening of Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide at this time.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Big Sur mile markers
Map of Big Sur

Traveler information at: Caltrans QuickMap Page
Twitter https://twitter.com/CaltransD5
CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Views from atop Paul's Slide looking south

Paul's Slide
Crews continue to build up the elevation of the south end of Paul’s Slide for what will be the new course of the roadway.

Date: Friday, October 27, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone: (805) 549-3138 (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #50
REPAIRS COMPLETE AT DANI CREEK SLIDE ON HIGHWAY 1 NORTHERN CLOSURE MOVED TO NORTH END OF PAUL’S SLIDE

MONTEREY/SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – Crews today completed final repairs at Dani Creek on Hwy. 1 where winter storms took out a large section of the roadway just north of Paul’s Slide. The northern closure of Hwy. 1 moved south today by .6 miles, from the town of Lucia to the north end of Paul’s Slide. The southern closure of Hwy. 1 remains at Limekiln State Park.

Travelers on southbound Hwy. 1 will pass the repair at Dani Creek and encounter a paved turnaround area at the north end of Paul’s Slide. There is no parking at this location. This movement of the northern closure will now provide travelers with direct access to the New Camaldoli Hermitage which was the last business affected by the closure at Dani Creek.

To make repairs at Dani Creek, crews created access in steep terrain down to the bottom of the slide, removed some 30,000 cubic yards of slide material, and built support from the bottom of the slide with fill material.

With compacted fill material in place, crews worked from the inland side of the road to bore through and place an 8-foot diameter culvert under the roadway. This culvert replaces one damaged during winter storms. Crews performed final paving, striping, and installation of guardrails over the last few weeks. Travelers may encounter intermittent traffic control in coming weeks as crews complete revegetation at the site.

Highway 1 remains closed to vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic for 1.5 miles, between Limekiln State Park to the south, and .6 miles south of the town of Lucia to the north.

Crews continue to advance with repairs at Paul’s Slide working seven days a week.

Due to dynamic conditions at the repair site as well as anticipated impacts associated with inclement weather in the upcoming months, there is no estimated time for full reopening of Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide at this time.

Winter 2023 damage to Highway 1 at Dani Creek

Damaged Culvert at Dani Creek, winter 2023

Eight Foot diameter culvert at Dani Creek
Eight-foot diameter culvert in place at Dani Creek repair

Hwy 1 turnaround on Highway 1
Turnaround on Highway 1 at north end of Paul's Slide, some .6 miles south of the town of Lucia

Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone: (805) 549-3138 (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #49
CREWS CONTINUE TO BUILD UP ROADBED FOR UPDATED REPAIR AT PAUL’S SLIDE ON HIGHWAY 1

MONTEREY/SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – Crews are working seven days a week at Paul’s Slide, moving enormous quantities of material throughout the site, and positioning fill materials needed to support the future alignment of the road.

The repair design anticipates a slight repositioning of the highway inland. The design also takes advantage of the shape of the mountain to create additional catchment area on the inland side of the road.

The catchment area will be separated from the northbound lane by concrete barriers and fencing, much in the way it had been for the last several years. The enlarged catchment area will have a greater capacity to collect slide materials and give maintenance crews additional room to work in when they clear debris.

Crews are also designing critical drainage infrastructure at the site which will be installed over the coming months.

Highway 1 remains closed to vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic for two miles, between Limekiln State Park to the south and the town of Lucia to the north.

Due to dynamic conditions at the repair site as well as anticipated impacts associated with inclement weather in the upcoming months, there is no estimated time for full reopening of Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide at this time.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Big Sur mile markers
Map of Big Sur

Traveler information at: Caltrans QuickMap Page
Twitter https://twitter.com/CaltransD5
CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Paul's Slide October 3, 2023

Aerial views of south end of Paul’s Slide showing materials being positioned to support the new alignment of the roadway.

Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone: (805) 549-3138 (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE # 48
REPAIRS CONTINUE AT PAUL’S SLIDE WITH UPDATED REPAIR DESIGN

MONTEREY/SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – After a brief reassessment in early August, crews have continued to engage in ongoing repairs to Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide. Highway 1 remains closed to vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic for two miles, between Limekiln State Park to the south and the town of Lucia to the north.

There have been two overriding safety priorities while working to fully reopen the highway. The first has been the safety of the crews who make these repairs while working at a site that is steep and where slide activity continues (and will continue) to take place.

The second goal has been to design a repair that will create a safe roadway for the travelling public.

With those safety priorities in mind, engineering teams have developed a repair design which will bring the roadway slightly inland as it passes in front of the Paul’s Slide complex. This design also allows for an enlarged catchment area between concrete barriers and fencing placed along the northbound lane and the toe of the slide. This will enhance safety for the travelling public as well as for construction and maintenance crews.

Crews are working seven days a week during all daylight hours. Because of uncertainty regarding continued slide activity at the repair site as well as weather conditions over the coming months, there is no current estimated time for a full reopening of Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide.

Paul's Slide on the Big Sur Coast

Date: Wednesday, August 2, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #47
GEOTECH INVESTIGATIONS TO DETERMINE NEXT STEPS AT PAUL'S SLIDE

MONTEREY/SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – Continued movement of the hillside has paused slide removal efforts at Paul's Slide. The result of current Geotech studies will help determine specific next steps for repair efforts.

Geotech crews continue to study measurements of recent slide activity and, in coordination with Caltrans engineering teams, will design repairs based on the assessment of these slide conditions.

Our approach continues to prioritize the safety of crews who have worked almost nonstop since late March to remove slide material and stabilize the hillside.

A two-mile closure of Highway 1 remains in effect between Limekiln State Park and Lucia. Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast remains open from Cambria to Limekiln, and from Monterey to Lucia.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Big Sur mile markers
Map of Big Sur

Traveler information at: Caltrans QuickMap Page
Twitter https://twitter.com/CaltransD5
CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Date: Friday, July 21, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Jim Shivers or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3237 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #46
NO ESTIMATE FOR REOPENING OF HIGHWAY 1 AT PAUL’S SLIDE
PENDING FURTHER GEOTECH INVESTIGATIONS

MONTEREY/SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – Due to recent continued slide activity at the repair site at Paul’s Slide, an estimate for a possible reopening date for Highway 1 will not be attempted until further Geotech investigations are completed.

Geotech teams continue to study drone imagery and other measurements of recent slide activity. The fact that the mountain continues to move makes a possible reopening date a moving target as well.

Crews have been working all daylight hours, seven days a week at Paul’s Slide since April of this year. The safety of our crews remains the first priority.

At this time, it is not known when a refreshed estimate for reopening the highway will be made. Further information on progress at Paul’s Slide and Dani Creek will be made as updates become available.

Two miles of Highway 1 between Lucia and Limekiln State Park remain closed due to the repair at Paul’s Slide. However, the entire segment of Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast from Cambria to Limekiln, and from Monterey to Lucia, remains open.

In addition, repairs to a major slip out at Dani Creek at PM 22.6 continue. Crews are focusing on the tunneling operation to install a culvert through the fill below the roadway with drilling work to begin next week. Repairs at Dani Creek are expected to continue through mid-September.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Date: Monday, July 3, 2023, at 7 p.m.
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #45
SOUTHERN CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY TO RETURN TO LIMEKILN TUESDAY MORNING JULY 4 FOLLOWING SINKHOLE REPAIR

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – The southern closure of Highway 1 will return to Limekiln State Park on Tuesday July 4, at 8 am.

This follows repairs to a sinkhole which appeared on July 2, one mile south of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and which necessitated moving the closure five miles south to Pacific Valley.

Crews have repaired the sinkhole and addressed drainage issues at the site.

Travelers on Highway 1 will again be able to travel from Morro Bay north to Cambria, San Simeon, Ragged Point, Gorda, and on to Limekiln State Park. All coastal businesses are open.

Big Sur mile markers
Map of Big Sur

Traveler information at: Caltrans QuickMap Page
Twitter https://twitter.com/CaltransD5
CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Paul's Slide

Dani Creek Slide

Date: Sunday, July 2, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #44
SINKHOLE ON HIGHWAY 1 MOVES SOUTHERN CLOSURE SOUTH TO PACIFIC VALLEY

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – The southern closure of Highway 1 was moved south today, from Limekiln State Park in Monterey County at Post Mile 21.2 to Pacific Valley at PM 16, due to a sinkhole which appeared on the center line of the roadway at PM 17.96.

The location of the sinkhole at PM 17.96 is one mile south of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road. The closure of Highway 1 at Pacific Valley provides adequate room for large vehicles and trucks to safely turn around.

Contracted crews are in route to the site to make assessments and begin repairs. Updates will be provided when the repairs are complete, and the southern closure can be moved north again to Limekiln.

Sinkhole on Highway 1

Date: Friday, June 23, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #43
NORTHERN CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 1 MOVED SOUTH TO LUCIA
REPAIRS TO CONTINUE AT DANI CREEK AND PAUL’S SLIDE

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – The northern closure of Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast moved four miles south today, from the Big Creek Vista Point in Monterey County at Post Mile 27.3 to Lucia at PM 23.2.

With this move of the northern closure, a roughly two-mile stretch of Hwy. 1 remains closed to through traffic.

Travelers in the Monterey area will now be able to travel approximately 55 miles south on Hwy. 1 before encountering the turnaround at Lucia.

The southern closure of Hwy. 1 remains located at just before the entrance to Limekiln State Park at PM 21.2. Limekiln State Park remains closed to the public.

Travelers in the Morro Bay - Cambria area will be able to travel north for over 47 miles from Cambria on Hwy. 1 until they encounter the turnaround at Limekiln State Park. All coastal businesses remain open.

Repairs to a major slip out at Dani Creek at PM 22.6 continue. Crews have removed debris from the slip out area below the roadway and have been reconstructing the highway embankment which is approaching the previous level of the road. Crews will next focus on a tunneling operation which will drive a culvert through the fill below the roadway. Repairs at Dani Creek are expected to continue through August 17.

Crews are also continuing to work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, at Paul’s Slide at PM 21.7. The current estimate for reopening the highway at Paul’s Slide is still several months. A refreshed estimate for a reopening date at Paul’s Slide will be made in mid-July.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

Big Sur mile markers
Map of Big Sur

Traveler information at: Caltrans QuickMap Page
Twitter https://twitter.com/CaltransD5
CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Dani Creek Slide June 23, 2023

Date: Friday, May 26, 2023 - 3:30PM
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #42
TWENTY-ONE MILES OF HIGHWAY 1 REOPENED AFTER REPAIRS FROM WINTER STORMS

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – Twenty-one miles of Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast reopened at 3 p.m. today, as the southern closure of Highway 1 moved north from Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County, to just south of Limekiln State Park in Monterey County.

Travelers arriving at the new southern closure will be directed to a flagged turnaround area placed just before the entrance to Limekiln State Park. There is no parking at the turnaround area and entry into Limekiln State Park is prohibited and the Park is closed.

This reopening was made possible after crews repaired a major washout of the road at Gilbert’s Slide just north of Gorda at Post Mile 10.6. Crews also made significant repairs to distressed conditions at Radio Point at PM 4.9, at PM 0.8, and at the county line at PM 0.1.

Travelers on Highway 1 will continue to encounter signalized traffic control at PM 0.8 as crews complete drainage and guardrail work. Travelers may also encounter intermittent traffic control as repairs continue at various other locations.

Special recognition is made for the work of S. Chaves Construction whose crews have not only led the repairs of Highway 1 at the above locations, but at dozens of other areas of concern between Ragged Point and Limekiln.

Crews also continue to work at Paul’s Slide at PM 21.7. The current estimate for reopening the highway at Paul’s Slide is still several months. The massive undertaking to remove an estimated 500,000 cubic yards of material and to sculpt and stabilize the slope is being met by crews working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. A more refined estimate for a reopening date at Paul’s Slide will be made in early July.

Repairs to a major washout of the road also continue at the Dani Creek Slide at PM 22.6, with work now estimated to be completed by mid-July.

Special recognition is also made for Papich Construction and their crews for taking the lead on repairs at Dani Creek, Paul’s Slide, and several other locations on the coast this winter.

Travelers in the Monterey/Carmel area will continue to be able to drive south for 50 miles to enjoy the splendor of the coast and will then encounter their turnaround at Big Creek Vista Point at PM 27.

Travelers in Morro Bay will now have over 65 miles of coast to enjoy to the north as Highway 1 passes through Cayucos, Cambria, San Simeon, Ragged Point, Gorda, and points beyond, before arriving at the turnaround south of Limekiln.

With the movement of the southern closure today, only five miles of Highway 1 remain closed from Big Creek Vista Point to just south of Limekiln State Park. All coastal businesses remain open.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

Big Sur mile markers
Map of Big Sur

Traveler information at: Caltrans QuickMap Page
Twitter https://twitter.com/CaltransD5
CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Gilberts Slide
Repair at Gilbert’s Slide on Highway 1 north of Gorda, May 25, 2023

Paul's Slide
Top-down removal of material at Paul’s Slide on Highway 1, May 25, 2023

THE DISPERSED CAMPING AREA OF PREWITT RIDGE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest. This Order is effective from April 30, 2022, through April 29, 2023.

1. Operating a motor vehicle on the following National Forest System roads, as shown on the attached map:

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce

Hwy 1 Conditions & Information

HIGHWAY 1 INFORMATION

THE DISPERSED CAMPING AREA OF PREWITT RIDGE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.