BIG SUR, Calif. (AP) — A portion of California's Scenic Highway 1 leading to the famous Big Sur coast was cleared for 24 hours Friday after a landslide that caused part of one lane of traffic to fall into the ocean was stabilized during a storm. Traffic has resumed. And it was a hindrance to tourism.
The California Department of Transportation said the gap has not yet been filled, but after installing steel and concrete on the cliff, a temporary signal system was activated, allowing alternate north-south traffic in the undamaged lanes.
The reopening was eight days ahead of schedule, just in time for summer travel.
“Highway 1 is the jewel of the California highway system, and our crews have worked tirelessly for the past month and a half to ensure Californians have unrestricted access to this iconic region of our state.” State Department of Transportation Director Tony Tavares said in a statement. this week.
Big Sur is a 90-mile (145-kilometer) area on the state's central coast where misty, forested mountains rise from the ocean. Much of the highway is perched on top of cliffs, offering dramatic views.
Highway 1 is a must-have road for California visitors who typically travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco, but the approach to Big Sur from the south has long been blocked by past landslides requiring extensive repairs. The approach from the north is the lifeline of this region.
After heavy rain, a landslide occurred south of Monterey on March 30, sending about 6 feet (about 2 meters) of southbound lanes and a retaining wall supporting the highway into the ocean about 170 feet (52 meters) below. fell on.
Caltrans determined the other lane was open for use, but traffic was limited to two convoys a day in and out of Big Sur. Initially, only residents and essential workers were allowed to join the convoys. Caltrans spokesman Kevin Drabinsky said the crane had to be removed each time to make room for the convoy.
Kirk Gaffir, president of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, told the San Francisco Chronicle in April that the total losses Big Sur businesses have suffered since the landslide have exceeded $1 million a day.
Permanent repairs to the highway are planned and are expected to be completed in spring 2025, according to the California Department of Transportation.
Associated Press
