Caltrans reopens Highway 1 at Rocky Creek after repairs
Landslide-damaged roadway to resume two-lane traffic on June 30
– Highway 1 at Rocky Creek will reopen to two-lane traffic on Monday, June 30, by 8 p.m., following the completion of emergency repairs and viaduct construction, according to the California Department of Transportation.
The section of Highway 1, located 12 miles south of Carmel, has been under one-way traffic control since March 30, when a landslide caused the loss of the southbound lane. Caltrans completed the repair project on an expedited schedule.
“The challenges posed by the slide on Highway 1 at Rocky Creek 15 months ago were met with an immediate commitment to restore access to this iconic roadway and symbol of north coast vitality,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Scott Eades. “Today’s reopening represents an engineering marvel and triumph in resilience for Big Sur residents, business owners, and their elected officials. The restoration of service along this famed transportation lifeline is a shared success and testament to their patience, hard work, and community spirit.”
For six weeks after the slide, twice-daily convoys used the northbound lane to maintain access to Big Sur communities. Crews worked day and night shifts to stabilize the remaining roadway and mitigate further slide activity. One key step involved lowering rock dowels into vertical shafts drilled into the slope, which allowed work to continue while keeping workers in a safer environment.
Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Walnut Creek and Teichert Construction of Sacramento were the contractors for the repairs. The total cost of the project is estimated at $15.4 million.
Caltrans thanked Big Sur residents and businesses for their patience and communication throughout the emergency response. The department said these partnerships helped reduce disruptions to planned community events.
Repairs to the damaged seawall at Rocky Creek are ongoing. Once complete, the restored barrier will offer greater protection to the roadway. Intermittent traffic control at Rocky Creek is expected to continue through the summer.
Caltrans urged travelers to drive slowly and carefully in work zones.
