3:15 pm – Sorry to be posting so many times today, but this is important enough to rate its own post. Per a phone conversation I just had with Colin Jones of Cal-Trans, people should expect the road to be closed for at least a month. Current plans are to try to find a way to open it up first to a single lane, but again, that won’t happen for a month or more. If you scroll down to the second post below this one, there are many photos which explain why that is. What gave way is the cribbing, and that is the original cribbing from the original convict construction in the 30’s. This particular spot has been trying to let go for some time – it has nothing to do with the tsunami, recent storms (although they could have contributed), or many of the other rumors I have heard.
Also, Colin states this current closure includes both bicycles and pedestrians. It is simply closed to all. First, per all reports I have heard, the road is still moving, the NB land is cracked and unsafe. Second, Colin reminds us that if CT and/or CHP have to deal with any traffic of any sort, it will simply delay the opening even more. We, as the people most concerned about getting this open, should support every effort to do so as quickly as possible. Let’s let them work.
Once CT gets one lane open, possibly by digging into the hillside, then they will work on a permanent solution to the problem. Colin suspects there will be almost daily updates for a while, and I have put him in contact with the Monterey County Communications Center, so all of this information can be centralized for us.
Also, as many of my north coast neighbors will be using N-F Rd and Ft. Hunter-Liggett for the next month, let me remind you of some things, and inform you of others. Last year, the fort moved back the front, Jolon gate, and removed the guard from the back, Los Padres gate. Also, as traffic increases, traffic control will as well, and the post law enforcement officers have always been a bear about enforcing the speed limit and other traffic laws, such as cell phones. The bridge is in good shape, and should be used instead of the river crossing. Having gotten a speeding ticket once, a long long time ago, I can tell you it is literally a federal offense, and if you want to fight it, you might end up in Florida. I tried, as I was NOT speeding. The ticket never went on my record anywhere outside the fort, but my right to drive on the fort was suspended for one year.
At least one reader and one caller have asked for directions on taking the Nacimiento-Fergusson route. Anne Ashley sent me the google maps instructions, which I reviewed and they appear accurate. It is:
Going South from Big Sur Valley on Highway One:
Turn left at Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd
About 44 mins
go 24.2 mi
total 27.9 mi
Turn right to stay on Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd (Ed. this is a kinda lopsided “Y” and you are turning onto the right arm of the y.)
About 2 mins
go 0.8 mi
total 28.7 mi
Turn right at Mission Rd
About 6 mins
go 2.9 mi
total 31.6 mi
Slight left to stay on Mission Rd
go 0.3 mi
total 31.9 mi
Continue onto Co Rd G14/Jolon Rd (as Suzi Perry notes below, turn left here for King City, and right for Paso Robles and points south. Both directions will put you onto 101)
About 31 mins
go 17.6 mi
total 49.5 mi
Turn right to merge onto US-101 S
About 1 min
go 0.7 mi
total 50.1 mi
Take the exit toward King City/Broadway
go 0.2 mi
total 50.4 mi
Merge onto Broadway St
go 0.2 mi
total 50.6 mi
Turn right at Broadway St/Co Rd G13
About 2 mins
go 0.9 mi
total 51.4 mi
Turn right at S 3rd St (Now, I’m not sure if this is specific to the Safeway, which is what it sounds like, but once you to to this point, you are good to go.)
go 95 ft
total 51.4 mi
Personally, I would prefer Morro Bay as a town trip.
So, remember, we are all guests and should behave as we would like our guests to behave.
