Highway 1 Conditions

UPDATE #2
CONTINUED CRACKING AND LAND MOVEMENT AT REGENT'S SLIDE WILL DELAY REOPENING OF HIGHWAY 1

Nearly 100 Miles of Big Sur Coast Remain Accessible and Open

MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans announced today that due to continued cracking occurring at the repair site, a portion of previously damaged roadway located on Highway 1 at Regent's Slide will not reopen in 2024. Updates on an estimated reopening date and the progress of repairs will be provided on a regular basis.

On August 16, Caltrans announced that repair work at Regent's Slide would pause after crews discovered new surface cracks in the slope where major excavation efforts were underway. In the weeks since that update, continued land movement and slope cracking were observed during intensive project monitoring and investigation.

Before excavation work begins again, crews still need to monitor both the new slide and the area of undisturbed land above the project site where the start of new excavation work is planned. Data from these investigations will inform the repair design and major excavation work. Repairs will resume when crews and equipment can be positioned on stable ground above and behind the new slide activity.

This approach emphasizes Caltrans' commitment to address challenging repairs using methods that prioritize crew safety while working diligently to open the roadway as soon as possible.

The Big Sur Coast Remains Accessible and Open

Over 100 miles of Highway 1 between Cambria and Carmel remain open with the exception of a 6.8-mile segment from one mile south of the Esalen Institute to two miles north of the community of Lucia.

For travelers from Northern California, the incredible historic bridges, waterfalls, restaurants, and lodging amenities of the Big Sur coast all remain accessible.

Kirk Gafill, president of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce said, "Caltrans emergency repairs to Highway 1 at Rocky Creek earlier this year have provided visitors with direct access to the unique landscapes in and around Big Sur. We look forward to the safe and timely completion of repairs at Regent's Slide that will allow for the full reopening of Highway 1 between Big Sur and Cambria."

Travelers from Southern California will find unparalleled views and charming destinations along Highway 1 when they visit the communities of Lucia, Gorda, Ragged Point, San Simeon, and Cambria.

Jim Ramey of the Ragged Point Inn said, "Since the 1960s, my family has been privileged to share the beauty and magic of the south Big Sur coast with visitors from around the world. Today, visitors from the south still have clear access to magnificent views, hiking, camping, beaches, restaurants, resorts, and all the sights that make this area distinctive. Caltrans has always responded as quickly as possible to road events and closures, and we eagerly await full access to the north."

Updates on an estimated reopening date and the progress of repairs at Regent's Slide will be provided on a regular basis.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/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.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov
Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/