Authorities in California advised motorists to avoid Highway 1 along the central coast after a section of the scenic route collapsed during an Easter weekend storm, causing closures and stranding drivers near Big Sur. The collapse happened near Rocky Creek Bridge, about 17 miles south of Monterey, sending asphalt chunks into the ocean from the southbound side of the road. Both directions of the highway were closed as engineers assessed the damage.
The California Highway Patrol worked on a plan to evacuate motorists stuck in the area, and by Sunday, crews determined that the northbound lane was safe for travel. Officials began periodically escorting vehicles around the damaged section, with about 300 cars waiting to travel northbound when the first convoy was led through the area. Stranded motorists had slept in their cars overnight, while others found shelter at the nearby Big Sur Lodge. Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski said convoys would continue as crews worked to shore up the highway and urged people to avoid the area due to other closures from rocks and debris.
Highway 1, known for its frequent closures due to collapses, mud flows, and rockslides during severe weather, has been a challenge for motorists. The recent storm brought heavy rain at lower elevations and over a foot of snow at Sierra Nevada ski resorts near Lake Tahoe. National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kittell noted that the storm was typical for March but was not an atmospheric river like many of the other storms that have affected the state in recent years. The storm moved down the California coast, bringing most of the rainfall to the Los Angeles area before stalling over Southern California.
The storm was expected to linger over Southern California until Sunday night or Monday, with the possibility of showers, thunderstorms, lightning, and damaging winds in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties. The slow-moving nature of the storm caused disruptions on Highway 1 and led to the closure of other sections due to rocks and debris on the road. Caltrans urged motorists to stay away from the area as crews continued their work to stabilize the highway and ensure safe passage for all travelers.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, authorities worked to ensure the safety and well-being of stranded motorists along Highway 1 near Big Sur. The periodic convoys allowed for the movement of vehicles through the damaged section of the road, providing a lifeline for those stranded and in need of assistance. The closure of the highway underscored the importance of being prepared for severe weather events and the need for infrastructure improvements to mitigate the impact of future storms on critical transportation routes like Highway 1 along the central coast of California.
