As Easter weekend came to a close, a storm caused a section of California’s iconic Highway 1 near Big Sur to collapse, leading to closures and stranding motorists in the area. The collapse occurred near Rocky Creek Bridge, about 17 miles south of Monterey, with chunks of asphalt falling into the ocean from the southbound side of the highway. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) closed the highway in both directions as engineers assessed the damage. The California Highway Patrol worked on a plan to evacuate stranded motorists, although the exact number of people affected was not disclosed.
Highway 1, known for its scenic views along the California coast, has experienced frequent closures due to collapses, mud flows, and rockslides during severe weather events. The recent storm brought heavy rain at lower elevations and significant snowfall at Sierra Nevada ski resorts near Lake Tahoe. While the storm was typical for March, it was not classified as an atmospheric river like other recent storms in the state. National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kittell noted that the storm moved from the San Francisco Bay Area down the California coast, bringing the majority of rainfall to the Los Angeles area before settling in Southern California.
The storm was expected to linger over Southern California until Sunday night or Monday, potentially bringing showers, thunderstorms, lightning, and damaging winds to areas such as Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties. Caltrans crews worked to assess the damage and determined that travel in the northbound lane of Highway 1 was safe. Motorists were then escorted around the damaged section of the highway, allowing traffic to resume in a limited capacity. Highway closures in the mountainous central coast region have been a challenge for travelers, and authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of those on the road.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm and subsequent highway collapse, authorities were able to reopen sections of Highway 1 to allow for limited traffic flow. The closure and subsequent reopening of the scenic coastal route served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of California’s weather and the need for infrastructure maintenance and repair in such a geologically active region. As the state continues to face the impacts of severe weather events, agencies like Caltrans work diligently to ensure the safety and accessibility of key transportation routes for residents and visitors alike. The reopening of Highway 1 was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the communities along the California coast, as they navigate the challenges presented by Mother Nature.
