Date: Friday, March 31, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #37
WITH REPAIRS UNDERWAY TRAVEL OPPORTUNITES
STILL ABOUND ON THE BIG SUR COAST

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES –Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast, convulsed by three months of winter storms, remains closed between Deetjen’s Inn in Monterey County at PM 42.2 and Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County.

There are three slides south of the northern closure which have limited, one-lane access that can be used by locals to evacuate or resupply. The slides are located just south of Torre Canyon Bridge at PM 39.5, just south of Esalen at PM 32.5, and farther south at PM 29.5. Passage through these three slides is not open to the traveling public as they are intended as evacuation routes. Estimates on the full reopening of the highway through these three slides will be available in coming days.

There are currently three sites on Highway 1 which are not traversable by vehicle traffic.

Dani Creek Slide at PM 22.6

Assessments continue at Dani Creek which is located immediately north of Paul’s Slide. Once decisions on a repair strategy have been finalized, crews will have a better estimate of when the highway might reopen at this washout.

Paul’s Slide at PM 21.7

This winter’s largest slide has completely covered the roadway and will require the removal of some 500,000 cubic yards of slide material. It is difficult at present to estimate the reopening of Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide. Washouts to the north at Dani Creek and to the south at Gilbert’s Slide pose logistical challenges to the repair efforts here. An estimate for the reopening of Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide should become clearer in several weeks as repairs advance at other slide areas.

Gilbert’s Slide at PM 10.6

Repairs began yesterday at Gilbert’s Slide, just north of Gorda in Monterey County. These repairs are estimated to take at least two months. Depending on the footprint of the excavation work at Gilbert’s, it may not be possible for vehicles to pass through for the duration of these repairs. However, we will continue to explore every opportunity to provide access to locals through the repair area as conditions allow.

There are also additional areas of concern on Highway 1 south of Gilbert’s Slide. Redwood Gulch at PM 5.8 is presenting with embankment erosion and a compromised culvert. Additionally, three locations are showing cracks and settling in the southbound lane. These include Radio Point at PM 4.9, at PM 0.8 where a temporary signal system is already in place, and at County Line at PM 0.1. Locals who move within the closure area between Ragged Point and Gilbert’s Slide should travel with caution when passing through each of these areas.

It should be noted that the Big Sur coast experience is still available for travelers. Many beautiful miles of highway stretch on the south coast with communities such as Morro Bay, Cambria, San Simeon, and the Ragged Point Inn itself, welcome and open for business.

The same is true for the traveler who can take in the spectacular sights and make large inroads from Monterey and Carmel deep into the heart of this scenic byway.

Caltrans and contracted crews, except during rain events, will work seven days a week to make all necessary repairs, reduce the closure limits, and eventually reopen the entire length of the Big Sur coast.

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.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.

Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

Date: March 23, 2022
Contact: Alexa Bertola or Jim Shivers
Phone: (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

California Invests Another $1.1 Billion to Continue
Rebuilding Its Transportation Infrastructure

SACRAMENTOCalifornia Transportation Commission (CTC) this week allocated more than $1.1 billion for projects to repair and improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state. The allocation includes more than $533 million in funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and more than $190 million in funding from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

“California and our federal partners are taking action now to create a safer, more resilient, and more equitable transportation future for all Californians,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “These visionary infrastructure investments are giving Caltrans the tools it needs to rebuild California.”

Projects the CTC approved include:

  • $426,000 for landscape mitigation associated with the bridge replacement project on US 101 near State Route 135 in Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County.
  • $10.3 million to rehabilitate pavement, replace roadside signs and sign panels, install Transportation Management System (TMS) elements, and upgrade facilities to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards on State Route 46 from US 101 to east of Airport Road in Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County.
  • $1 million for various emergency projects on State Route 1 in Monterey County near Lucia, north of Big Creek Bridge, and south of Soledad Drive. Rains in early November 2022 caused system damage at these three locations. At the first location, a rockfall catchment filled up with rock and needed to be cleaned out. At the second location, a rockfall barrier also filled and damaged the barrier. At the third location, a sinkhole was discovered requiring repairs. Roadwork will also include cleaning out the rockfall catchment, repairing the rockfall barrier, and lining the perforated culverts.
  • $250,000 to clear debris and repair damaged drainage systems from the January 2022 Colorado Fire, and install erosion control measures to reduce the possibility of slides on State Route 1 near Big Sur south of Rocky Creek Bridge to north of Palo Colorado Road in Monterey County.
  • $810,000 to replace culverts and restore the roadway on State Route 227 north of Corbett Canyon Road near Edna, restore the embankment and place rock slope protection on State Route 46 near Harmony, and perform drainage/slope improvements on State Route 46 near South Green Valley Road which were damaged during the December 2022 storms within San Luis Obispo County.

The IIJA, also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. California has already received nearly $18.5 billion since the IIJA’s passage in November 2021.

SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually that is shared equally between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.

For more information about California transportation projects funded by the IIJA and SB 1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov.

Alexa Bertola
Public Information Officer
Caltrans – District 5
Cell – 805.556.5820
Office – 805.549.3237
Alexa.Bertola

Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

Date: Thursday, March 23 2023, at 6:15 p.m.
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #36
RESUPPLY WINDOW TO OPEN ON HIGHWAY 1 FRIDAY THRU MONDAY FOR LOCALS ONLY THROUGH GILBERT’S SLIDE

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES –Crews assessing Gilbert’s Slide, just north of the town of Gorda at PM 10.6, have reported that excavation to repair the slide will only be able to take place once soil conditions dry out and water flowing into the repair area can be controlled and diverted.

Once repairs begin, Highway 1 at Gilbert’s Slide is expected to remain closed to all vehicle traffic for two months.

Given the four-day window of expected dry weather ahead, crews will open up Highway 1 at Gilbert’s Slide, for locals only, from 8 am to 4 pm, from Friday March 24 through Monday March 27. Flaggers will direct traffic on to the northbound shoulder to get around the slide.

Highway 1 will close at Gilbert’s Slide each of these four days at 4 pm. Crews will assess each morning if the shoulder remains traversable for vehicle traffic.

This opening is intended for local residents to pass through to secure provisions and will allow for delivery trucks, including fuel trucks, to pass through north of Gilbert’s Slide.

Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast remains closed between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and Deetjen’s Inn in Monterey County at PM 42.2, due to slides and washouts from ongoing winter storm events.

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.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov
Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Big Sur mile markers

Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
March 22, 2023
Media Contact: Andrew Madsen
(805) 895-0841
andrew.madsen
www.facebook.com/lpnf
Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Los Padres National Forest hiring permanent
positions in recreation and trails

SOLVANG, Calif.— The Los Padres National Forest is hiring for several permanent recreation and trail positions with multiple duty locations available. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply now.

Recreation and trails positions on the Los Padres National Forest seek candidates who have an interest and passion for outdoor recreation and public service. Open positions include jobs in recreation, campground operations, and trail maintenance. The U.S. Forest Service is accepting applications through March 30, 2023, on USAjobs with positions available at multiple locations including King City, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Ojai, Frazier Park, and Solvang, California.

Visit the Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lpnf/about-forest/jobs for more information about applying for open recreation positions on the Los Padres National Forest or contact Ranger District staff listed below:

Monterey Ranger District
Chevene Simmons
Chevene.simmons, 805-325-0992

Santa Lucia Ranger District
Alicia Sanchez Scott
Alicia.sanchezscott, 805-450-8369

Santa Barbara Ranger District
Rachel Clancy
Rachel.clancy, 805-724-0093

Ojai Ranger District
Tim Short
Timothy.short, 831-206-2129

Mt. Pinos Ranger District
Ari Songer
Ariana.songer, 661-777-2131

Download this press release

Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

Posted by: Stan Russell | March 20, 2023

US FOREST SERVICE OPEN HOUSE HIRING EVENT MARCH 22, 2-5 PM

Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

Date: Monday, March 20 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #35
LANE OPENED THROUGH SLIDE ON HIGHWAY 1 FOR EVACUATION PURPOSES SOUTH OF TORRE CANYON BRIDGE

MONTEREY COUNTY –Crews have been able to create a one-lane opening for evacuation purposes on Highway 1 at a slide just south of the Torre Canyon Bridge, at PM 39.5.

Evacuation is now possible for residents and guests who have been isolated south of the slide.

Storm events starting tonight are likely to close this evacuation access because of the significant rains expected. Once the storms have passed, field efforts will continue to remove slide material and open the road for local residents and the public.

Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast remains closed between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and Deetjen’s Inn in Monterey County at PM 42.2, due to slides and washouts from ongoing winter storm events.

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.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov
Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Big Sur mile markers

Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

Date: Sunday, March 19 2023, at 5:30 p.m.
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #34
HIGHWAY 1 TO REMAIN CLOSED TODAY SOUTH OF TORRE CANYON BRIDGE
REOPENING OF A LANE FOR EVACUATION
EXPECTED TOMORROW IF WEATHER PERMITS

MONTEREY COUNTY –Crews were slowed by rain today in their efforts to clear a slide on Highway 1 in Monterey County, just south of the Torre Canyon Bridge, at PM 39.5

There will not be a reopening of Highway 1 today at PM 39.5.

Residents and visitors currently trapped south of the slide and wishing to evacuate should now expect a lane to open on Monday March 20.

This opening is anticipated to be for evacuation purposes only.

An update will be provided about the timing of the opening of a lane for evacuation as more information becomes available.

We will also be working with stakeholders to develop an access plan for residents to resupply.

Crews will return at first light tomorrow to continue to clear slide material and stabilize the slope.

Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast remains closed between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and Deetjen’s Inn in Monterey County at PM 42.2, due to slides and washouts from ongoing winter storm events.

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.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov
Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Big Sur mile markers
Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

Caltrans

Date:

Thursday, March 18, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #33
CLOSURES REMAIN IN EFFECT ON HIGHWAY 1 WITH PROGRESS MADE ON MONTEREY COUNTY SLIDE AT PM 39.5

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES –Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast remains closed between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and Deetjen’s Inn in Monterey County at PM 42.2, due to slides and washouts from ongoing winter storm events.

Crews continue to work at a slide which has covered the roadway at PM 39.5 in Monterey County, south of the Torre Canyon Bridge.

Crews believe that by the afternoon of Sunday March 19, a lane may be opened for residents and visitors currently trapped south of the closure to evacuate. An announcement of the timing of this opening will be made on social media.

This opening on Sunday afternoon is intended to facilitate evacuation of residents and guests. It is not intended for the general public to travel in and out of this slide area.

An update will be provided when more information becomes available on the full reopening of Highway 1 at this location.

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.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.

Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Big Sur mile markers

View from the top of the slide on Highway 1 at PM 39.5 taken March 17, 2023.

Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

Date: Thursday, March 17, 2023, at 2:15 p.m.
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #32
HIGHWAY 1 TO CLOSE NORTH OF GORDA AT 4:30 PM TODAY
SLIDE CONTINUES TO CLOSE HIGHWAY 1 AT PM 39.5

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES – A full closure of Highway 1 will go into effect today at 4:30 this afternoon at PM 10.6, just north of the town of Gorda, due to a serious slip out of the roadway.

Residents who live north of PM 10.6 will have this one opportunity today to travel to the south if they desire.

At PM 39.5, south of the Torre Canyon Bridge, a slide continues to cover the roadway.

Crews are working with a long reach excavator today and hope to perform rock scaling tomorrow. We hope to get Highway 1 at PM 39.5 reopened by Sunday or Monday.

The perimeter of the Highway 1 closure remains from Ragged Point (SLO MM ~72.9) to just south of Deetjens (MON MM ~ 43.1)

ClosureMap-3.18.23

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.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov
Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Big Sur Mile Markers

Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Alexa Bertola
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #31
ASSESSMENTS ON HIGHWAY 1 CONTINUE AT AREAS DAMAGED BY MOST RECENT STORMS

MONTEREY / SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES –Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast remains closed from Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County to just south of Deetjen’s Inn in Monterey County due to slides and rockfall from winter storm events.

This is an overview of larger road damage issues associated with recent storm events. Crews have cleared dozens of smaller slides and repaired and cleared culverts. Updates on estimated times for reopening of each of these sites will be provided as that information becomes available.

Highway 1 at PM 39.5

Crews responded to a slide which appeared today just south of the Torre Canyon Bridge.

Highway 1 at PM 22.6

Crews continue to assess this slip out at Dani Creek located between the entrance to the Hermitage and the town of Lucia.

Highway 1 at PM 22 to 22.4

Paul’s Slide is set for a long-term closure. As weather conditions permit, crews will begin to bring down an estimated 500,000 cubic yards of material, sculpt and stabilize the slope, and repair the roadway.

Highway 1 at PM 10.6

This failure of the highway is located just north of the town of Gorda.

Highway 1 at PM 9.1

Repairs to a slide at the north end of Mud Creek will include debris removal, slope stabilization, and the replacement of protective netting. A boulder the size of a shipping container sits on slide material just above the roadway.

The repairs made this winter at Mill Creek Slide at PM 18 held up well during recent rain events as did repairs at the Polar Star Slide, one mile south of Ragged Point.

Updates on estimated times for reopening of each of the damaged areas above will be provided as that information becomes available.

Caltrans and contracted crews will continue to work all daylight hours, seven days a week, to move forward with these repairs.

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.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too. Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Big Sur Mile Markers

Stan Russell
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
https://blogbigsur.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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