Day: January 25, 2010

Slip slidin’ away …

We now move from “Storm Watch” (although Tuesday should be a challenge, weather-wise) to “Road Watch.” This photo is of Highway One near Willow Creek. It was taken today, Monday, 1/25/10 by Dave Allen. Thanks Dave!

This location is notorious. If past experience is any indicator, Cal-Trans will keep dumping asphalt in here until it won’t work any more, then will grade the whole thing, adding fill and some base, and hold it. It can easily get down to basically 1/2 a lane and that’s where it looks like it is heading, but despite how “bad” this looks — it has a ways to go before it is a “serious” problem — which is always relative.

Honestly? This is nothing new for the South Coast in an El Niño year. Been there, done that — oh so many times. Willow Springs Maintenance Yard is always one of the most challenged areas to work, and these guys and Angie always pull off miracles in keeping this road open for us!! Thanks, guys and gal!!

The Saga of Shale Point: Sea Wall building 101

I currently have about 13-15 photos of the repairs going on at Shale Point, all taken on Saturday, so I’m breaking these up into two segments. The first I will post tonight, Monday, and the second set will go up on Tuesday night. Thursday, I have more coming. All photos by Ralph J. Novoa, Willow Springs Cal-Trans, retired. Boy, am I glad I sold him my old D70. His photos are really getting good!!

The contractors?

Windsor, from Cambria

and Specialty Cranes


Okay, this is to set the stage. See the drain? One can see the slip-out just south (to the right) of it, and it is quite substantial. One can see the remains of the sea wall on both the north and south sides of it, and on the ledge/access road on the south side, you can see the excavator with clamshell Chuck is operating, just above the sea wall. On top, on the highway, the equipment and men are set up.


looking south


looking north with crane in the background.

Okay, now the stage is set for tomorrow’s set of photos, which REALLY shows Chuck Windsor in action, and the building of the Sea Wall, 101.

Shale Point – Night closure only

Rumors were correct, but I was waiting for the “official” update to post. Now Shale Point hard closure at night only from 5 pm to 8 am until repairs complete. Photos tonight.

Date: Monday, January 25, 2010 @ 9:30 AM
District: 5 – Santa Barbara, SLO, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties
Contact: Susana Z. Cruz (Bilingual) or Colin Jones
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3189
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIGHWAY 1 NORTH OF RAGGED POINT OPEN DURING DAYTIME

MONTEREY COUNTY – Overnight closures will resume today Monday Jan. 25 from dusk to dawn (5 pm to 8 am) due to roadway erosion on Hwy. 1, nine miles north of Ragged Point Inn or three miles south of Gorda, which are both about seven miles into the Monterey County Line from San Luis Obispo.

This segment of Hwy. 1 will remain open during daytime hours (8 am to 5 pm) with reverse one-way traffic control with flagging but closed overnight indefinitely until the road is fixed. Caltrans has mobilized construction crews for repair.

A section of fill has been washed out by the surf due to recent heavy rains and it is necessary to have overnight closures when there is poor visibility of the road and hillside.

If travelling from San Luis County to Monterey County, motorists are advised to take Hwy. 101 to Hwy. 68 as the suggested detour. Electronic message signs are posted to alert motorists of the overnight closures.

Businesses remain open and Big Sur will be accessible from the north during overnight hours and from both direction in the daytime.

Missing Man & Structure Fire

Two items this morning and then this evening I have the post ready for Shale Point repairs.

First, I have been asked by the SLO community to provide an update on the search for George Carpenter. The search will continue today, weather allowing. Horses are not being used because the brush is to thick. One person has asked about a “locals” search and rescue. A couple of our best locals are on the search team, but no, there is no separate “locals” search, but everyone is keeping an eye out, everywhere they go. Monterey County Search & Rescue is very good. My understanding from the “Find George Carpenter” page on FB is that rescue dogs specifically trained for this type of search are being used, which is why Scooter has not been taken up there, but that may change.

Second, Jo Chapman’s house burned down last night. Bixby Ridge, Trotter built house. Sad to hear. Current owner is reported by KION as John Moon. Video shows the house burned literally to the ground I don’t have any further information this morning.