Drivers get out to clear debris as Highway 1 closure turns Big Sur travelers around
By Jacquelyn Quinones
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MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KSBW) — Crews have been working around the clock to clear debris from Highway 1 in Big Sur following recent storms, causing inconvenience for drivers but garnering understanding from many who acknowledge the unpredictability of Mother Nature.
Known for its scenic vistas, Highway 1 attracts tourists from around the world.
On Tuesday, drivers were turned away from parts of the Big Sur coast as Caltrans worked to remove mud and rocks from the road.
“It’s a little bit disappointing because I want to show my parents the famous 1 highway. It’s called the most beautiful highway, right? So now we’re just going to turn around and back to the 101,” one traveler, Yu Han, said.
Messages and directional signs have been placed to alert travelers in advance of the closure. In addition to Caltrans, some drivers took it upon themselves to remove debris from the road.
“That’s the first priority, to be safe,” Han said. “I guess maybe come on another day where there’s more sunshine and more drier weather.”
Other visitors expressed their disappointment at the disruption to their plans.
“We were really excited for it to open back up, and I made sure to have a chance to come back down, and it ran into the closure right when we’re here, right?” one visitor, Jason Summern, said.
“We were planning on driving Highway 1, but with all the rain, I was already worried that they might close, and it did,” another tourist, Caterina Band, said.
Caltrans said the slope above the roadway at Regent’s Slide is stable, but debris is coming from the base of the slope.
Crews will begin clearing debris during upcoming breaks in the rain, with the cleanup effort dependent on weather and site conditions. There is currently no estimated time for when the road will reopen.
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