From Monterey County Public Works:
Big Sur residents and those living between the Paul’s Slide and Mud Creek closures: please be aware that there is a tree down on Nacimiento Fergusson Rd near Coast Ridge road. County Public Works crews stationed in San Ardo are mobilizing tonight to clear the road and will make every effort as long as it is safe to do so.
Thanks Kate – Maia
Above, Paul’s Slide earlier today
Today’s Date: November 29, 2018
-UPDATE #1-
**TRAFFIC ADVISORY**
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HWY. 1 AT MUD CREEK AND PAUL’S SLIDE CONTINUES THROUGH TOMORROW MORNING, FRIDAY, NOV. 30 WHEN IT WILL BE ASSESSED
MONTEREY COUNTY — The National Weather Service (NOAA) has informed Caltrans of more significant rain forecast for today and into tonight. Caltrans has determined that tomorrow morning, Nov. 30, will be the first time it will be safe for Geotechnical Design, Construction and Maintenance staff to investigate site conditions and formulate a plan to reopen the road in the areas of Mud Creek (PM 8.9) and Paul’s Slide (PM 21.6) on State Route 1 in the Big Sur area.
Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (PM 18.9) is the alternate route to reach Hwy. 1 between Mud Creek and Paul’s Slide. However, there is a 12-foot height restriction at one of the bridges (green) along this route. Please check with Fort Hunter-Liggett for more updated information on their road at: https://www.facebook.com/FortHunterLiggett.
Caltrans’ Geotech, Maintenance and Construction units are on call and prepared to inspect/clean up during the daylight hours following each storm when it is safe to be onsite again; this will take place tomorrow morning, Friday, Nov. 30. Caltrans’ intent is to open the roadway as quickly and safely as possible and our staff remains on-call 24/7.
The gates on either side of Mud Creek and Paul’s Slide will be key locked. These gates will not be manned when the highway is closed and there will be no access to anyone, including Emergency Services or Caltrans employees until a proper assessment can be made and any necessary cleanup has been completed.
NOTE: This advisory applies only to the Mud Creek and Paul’s Slide areas with each closure being treated separately—both are closing today. Please stay tuned for additional information when the roadway opens again. SEE ATTACHED CLOSURE MAP.
9 am – I am hearing some grumbling from locals on Caltrans’s decision to close the road. I get it, I do, but things have changed. Conditions are not like they used to be where it was understood that we locals took our chances. Now, we have clueless tourists who would also “take their chances” and then ask to be rescued and/or sue if they were injured or their vehicle was damaged. I do have concerns about even emergency vehicles not being able to get through, but I do understand the concerns of Caltrans. Safety first. Always.
