Authorities urged motorists to avoid California’s 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 near Rocky Creek Bridge, sending chunks of asphalt tumbling into the ocean. The highway was closed in both directions as engineers assessed the damage. Crews worked to safely evacuate motorists from the area, with some stranded overnight in their cars or sheltered at the nearby Big Sur Lodge.
Around noon on Sunday, crews determined that travel in the northbound lane was safe, and periodic convoys began escorting motorists around the damaged section. Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski stated that convoys would continue over the coming days as crews worked to shore up the highway. Drabinski urged people to avoid the area due to other closures caused by rocks and debris in the lanes. Highway 1 has a history of frequent closures due to collapses, mud flows, and rockslides during severe weather conditions.
The storm that led to the collapse of Highway 1 dumped heavy rain at lower elevations and more than a foot of snow at Sierra Nevada ski resorts near Lake Tahoe. National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kittell noted that while the storm was typical for March, it was not as severe as previous atmospheric river storms that have hit the state in recent winters. The storm brought most of the rainfall to the Los Angeles area after exiting the San Francisco Bay Area and then parked itself over Southern California, where it was expected to stay until Sunday night or into Monday.
Social media erupted with accusations against Governor Newsom for pushing a ‘surveillance state’ with new anti-crime policies. However, amidst the criticism, the California Highway Patrol worked on a plan to safely evacuate motorists stranded near Big Sur following the collapse of Highway 1. Periodic convoys were initiated to escort vehicles through the damaged section of the highway. The storm brought heavy rain and snow to the region, leading to various closures due to rocks, debris, mud flows, and other weather-related incidents.
Despite the challenging conditions, crews continued to work on shoring up the damaged section of Highway 1 and ensuring the safety of motorists in the area. The famous route along California’s central coast is known for closures, often due to collapses and rockslides during severe weather events. Motorists were advised to avoid the area while crews worked to repair the damage from the collapse and clear other obstructions on the highway. The storm that hit the region was not as severe as previous atmospheric river storms but still caused significant disruptions to travel and safety along the coast.
Overall, the collapse of Highway 1 near Big Sur during the Easter weekend storm led to closures, stranded motorists, and challenges for crews working to address the damage. Authorities urged caution and advised against travel in the area due to the ongoing work to shore up the damaged section of the highway. While some motorists were left stranded overnight, others were safely evacuated or sheltered nearby. The storm brought heavy rain, snow, and other weather-related incidents to the region, causing delays and disruptions along the central coast of California.
