Authorities in California are urging motorists to avoid Highway 1 along the central coast after a section of the scenic route collapsed during an Easter weekend storm, stranding motorists near Big Sur. The collapse occurred amid heavy rain near Rocky Creek Bridge, causing asphalt to fall into the ocean. The highway was closed in both directions as engineers assessed the damage, with plans in place to evacuate motorists from the area.
Crews determined that the northbound lane was safe for travel, and began escorting motorists through the damaged section of the highway. Around 300 cars were waiting to travel northbound as the first convoy was led through the area. Some stranded motorists had slept in their cars overnight while others sought shelter at the nearby Big Sur Lodge. Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski stated that periodic convoys would continue as crews worked to shore up the highway, emphasizing the need for people to avoid the area due to other closures caused by rocks and debris in the lanes.
California Highway 1 is known for frequent closures due to collapses, mud flows, and rockslides during severe weather. The recent storm brought heavy rain to lower elevations and over a foot of snow to Sierra Nevada ski resorts around Lake Tahoe. National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kittell described the storm as typical for March, not an atmospheric river like many of the other storms that have hit California in recent years. The storm moved down the California coast after exiting the San Francisco Bay Area, bringing most of the rainfall to the Los Angeles area.
The closure of Highway 1 near Big Sur is impacting motorists traveling along the central coast of California, with authorities working to evacuate stranded individuals and assess the damage to the road caused by the collapse near Rocky Creek Bridge. Crews have deemed the northbound lane safe for travel and are conducting periodic convoys to escort motorists through the damaged section. The storm that caused the collapse brought heavy rain to lower elevations and significant snowfall to Sierra Nevada ski resorts, but was not classified as an atmospheric river event.
The damage to Highway 1 in Monterey County has led to closures and delays for motorists in the area, with some individuals being stranded overnight in their cars while others sought shelter at nearby lodgings. Caltrans is working to shore up the highway and create a plan for continued travel along the route. The closure and subsequent evacuations are part of ongoing efforts to address the frequent challenges posed by severe weather along the central coast of California. Authorities have advised motorists to avoid the area and stay informed about road conditions and closures related to the recent storm.
