District:	05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact:	Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone:	(805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #13

ROCKY CREEK REPAIRS CONTINUE WITH HORIZONTAL SUPPORT DRILLING AND ADDITION OF OVERNIGHT SHIFTS

MONTEREY COUNTY– Crews continue to make progress with edge stabilization work at the Highway 1 Rocky Creek slip out.

This first phase of the stabilization effort involves drilling, installing, and grouting in steel elements to stabilize the edge of the slip out. Last week crews completed installation of the vertical rock dowels. This week crews drilled anchor supports for deployment of a crane which is now in place and will allow crews to begin the installation of the horizontal rock dowels. This will be followed by an application of shotcrete to the sheer face of the rock slope.

The horizontal dowels will be installed in 5 rows and after each row is complete, the face of the rock slope will be treated with reinforcing shotcrete. There is a 12-hour cure time before crews can begin drilling work on the next horizontal row. 

The rock dowels provide shear resistance along potential failure planes in the rock mass, the grout provides cementation and connection of the dowels to the rock mass, and the shotcrete facing distributes load to the dowels and protects the rock slope from wind and rain erosion.

Crews have installed a light tower on an outcropping above and adjacent to the slip out and crews performing drilling for the horizontal rock dowels will work their first overnight shift tonight. The plan going forward is for crews to work two 12-hour shifts per day.

This stabilization project is a temporary repair which will allow the resumption of unrestricted traffic flow through the area until a permanent fix can be designed and constructed that would restore the southbound lanes that were lost in the rockslide.

Caltrans recently estimated that the completion date for the initial stabilization work at the Rocky Creek slip out would be Memorial Day, May 27. This would mark the end of the current convoys and allow alternating one-way travel through the area without an escort using 24/7 signalized traffic control.

The current convoys are operated at 7 am and 5 pm and are intended for the use of local residents and essential workers only. Limiting the volume of vehicles through the repair site is one strategy which is helping manage the risks associated with conditions at the rockslide and with emergency response.

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.

Contact: Fire Administration Office, 831.667.2113 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  

Big Sur Fire Hosts Community Open House at Station 1 

Celebrating 50 Years of Emergency Services in Big Sur 

Big Sur, CA – Big Sur Fire (BSF) announces a Community Open House celebrating its 50^thAnniversary on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 1pm – 4pm at Big Sur Fire Station #1 located at Post Ranch (47900 Highway 1).  Please join us if you are on the south side of the Rocky Creek closure for a fun, family friendly afternoon with your Big Sur firefighters.

Big Sur Fire was formed in 1974 to provide structure fire protection for the residents and businesses in the Big Sur area.  BSF is now the primary emergency response organization in Big Sur responding to all calls for 911 including structure and wildland fires, technical rescues and emergency medical aids for the Big Sur community and its millions of annual visitors. BSF remains an all-volunteer company with about 25 members, covering nearly 60 miles of coastline along Highway One.  

May 4th also marks the celebration of International Firefighters’ Day – a time where the world recognizes and honors the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure their communities are as safe.  There will be a short program honoring all current and former Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade (original name) members for their incredible contributions of time and energy.

The day will include photos with firefighters and our fire apparatus; demonstrations of tools and equipment; and lots of good food featuring pizzas by our very own Pizza Paul and music by Wayward Jerry and his crew.

“We are so fortunate to have such unwavering support from our community, especially during this difficult time that is truly affecting everyone” Fire Chief Matt Harris said. “We look forward to seeing you and celebrating 50 incredible years of service together.”

Park and Shuttle will be at Post Ranch Inn.    

The mission of the Big Sur Fire is to provide dependable fire protection and emergency services to all of Big Sur with a spirit of teamwork, respect and integrity.