BIG SUR – The long-awaited reopening of the largest of the three landslides on Highway 1 is coming earlier than anticipated, bringing the flow of unimpeded traffic between Carmel and Cambria one section closer to reality.
Since Jan. 14, 2023, when an estimated 500,000 cubic yards of material slid down the mountain side and engulfed Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide, Caltrans has been planning on how, and working to repair and reopen, the roadway that is now expected to be ready by early- to mid-July.
Once Paul’s Slide – post mile 22 – is open, traffic coming from the south will be able to come as far north as repair work on the Regent’s Slide – post mile 27.8 – will comfortably allow.
“The southern turnaround point will move north to post mile 25.3, which is about .6 mile south of Vicente Creek,” said Kevin Drabinski, Caltrans District 5 spokesperson. “That location already has a small pull-out area. We will improve that area with some paving.”
Drabinski said the new southern turnaround point meets Caltrans’ two main criteria for turnaround locations.
“It gives a good line of sight for travelers on the approach to the turnaround and it is wide enough to allow for larger vehicles or motorhomes to comfortably negotiate their U-turn,” he said.
But two other slides are still undergoing repair work north of Paul’s Slide and will continue to put a choke hold on traffic on Highway 1 until completion.
Those coming from the north will only be able to come as far south as Lime Creek, the turnaround point to accommodate work being done at Dolan Point – post mile 29.5. Repairs to that slide are expected to be completed by early summer, and Regent’s Slide – post mile 27.8 – where the last of the repairs are estimated to be completed by late fall.
Paul’s Slide was the largest event to occur on Highway 1 in Monterey County the winter of 2022-2023. but the Mud Creek Slide in 2017 was much larger in terms of volume of debris material, said Drabinski.
Paul’s Slide has been a known active slide area on the Big Sur coast for much of its history, according to Caltrans. Continued movement of the mountain at various locations within the repair zone proved a challenge during construction and will continue to be a background dynamic of the reopened highway.
To address slide activity at Paul’s Slide, Highway 1 has been moved slightly inland and elevated at its southern end. The repair will feature an expanded catchment area between the travel lanes and the slope. A concrete protective barrier and fencing will also extend along the northbound shoulder.
Crews are installing the last of three culverts which will convey water and debris below the roadway, says the state agency. Crews are also installing base material prior to final paving. In coming weeks crews will install guardrail, protective barriers and place final striping in advance of the estimated early- to mid-July reopening.
The cost of repairs at Paul’s Slide are at about $60 million.
The Dolan Point Slide occurred March 8, and though repairs are expected to be completed by early summer, it will not result in an adjustment to the northern turnaround point at Lime Creek.
Due to the challenging conditions associated with the extreme slope at the site, repairs at Regent’s Slide, which occurred March 9, are estimated to be completed in late fall and will be the last of the repairs to be completed, but once realized, it will once again open Highway 1 to the complete flow of traffic between Carmel and Cambria through the Big Sur Coast.
Caltrans reminds the public that bicyclists are not permitted through construction zones at the Dolan Point Slide or Regent’s Slide but are permitted to pass during regular convoy times at Paul’s Slide. Regent’s Slide is active, extremely steep, and the material across the road is unstable. There is no bicycle or pedestrian access on Highway 1 through Regent’s Slide.
Except for an 11-mile section where repairs continue, travelers from the Cambria and San Simeon area are able to travel north as far as Limekiln State Park, and travelers from the Monterey and Carmel area are able to travel as far as Lime Creek, south of the Esalen Institute.
“Over many years, Caltrans has backed up its commitment to keep open Highway 1 from Cambria to Carmel by investing substantial financial resources into repairing and restoring the roadway,” said Drabinski. “A single full closure of Highway 1 can separate communities while concurrent closures raise the potential to isolate communities. Highway 1 plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of families who live on the coast and provides residents access to work, school, recreation, and essential services.”
Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.