Day: April 6, 2011

BSMAAC Meeting Canceled, Cal-Trans report; & Weather Advisory

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce and the CPOA (Coast Property Owner’s Association) both put out emails reporting on today’s meeting. The bottom line is that currently the Rocky Creek closure is hoped to be opened the first week in May. Of course, this is highly weather dependent, and we have two weather events coming our way this week and next, so look for the possibility of further delays. Everyone is working hard to open the road back up as expeditiously and safely as possible.

Received from Dave Potter’s Office this afternoon:

“Due to the Highway 1 road closure, the April 15th BSMAAC meeting has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on July 15, 2011.”

Also, this weather warning was attached: “ON THURSDAY NUMEROUS SHOWERS WITH SMALL HAIL AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE
FORECAST THROUGH THE DAY. THE PRECIPITATION WILL BE CONVECTIVE MEANING PERIODS OF SUNSHINE COULD QUICKLY TURN TO HEAVIER DOWNPOURS WHICH CAN OFTEN LEAD TO TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ON BAY AREA ROADWAYS. DAYTIME HIGHS WILL BE MUCH COOLER WITH HIGH ONLY IN THE 50S. THIS WILL BRING SNOW LEVELS DOWN TO AROUND 3000 FEET AND POSSIBLY AS LOW AS 2500 FEET IN THE HEAVIER SHOWERS. ANYONE WITH PLANS TO THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO AND MONTEREY BAY REGION SHOULD EXPECT WINTER LIKE WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THURSDAY.”

This Spring is turning out to be bipolar, isn’t she?

No restrictions on Southern portion of Highway One

Today, the overnight restrictions on Highway One at the previous Alder Creek slide area were lifted and traffic will be allowed through after 7 pm. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE CAUTION AND PAY ATTENTION TO FALLING ROCKS AND MUD. This does NOT affect the closure at Rocky Creek, which is still predicted to open to one lane at the end of the month.

Here is Cal-Trans Update #23.

“(1) The former mudslide on Highway 1 at Alder Creek (PM 8) remains cleared sufficiently to allow for the road to fully open in both directions with no restrictions beginning this evening at 7 pm . However, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH FOR FALLING ROCKS. Another update will be provided as new information becomes available.

(2) Highway 1 at Rocky Creek (Post Mile 60.5) continues to be closed in both directions. However, pedestrians are being escorted in both directions through a half-mile section from one end of the slide to the other twice daily: AT 7 AM AND 4 PM PROMPTLY. Bicycles are allowed to be walked through the closure during these escorts. People are asked to park cars in the Bixby Creek/Old Coast Road turnout at the south end, and the Rocky Creek Bridge turnout at the north end.

• Horizontal nails are now being installed for this temporary fix. This site is an active construction zone and the slope remains unstable. Geologic instability continues to be a factor in roadwork progress.
• Community officials continue coordinating with Caltrans and CHP to provide limited helicopter shuttle service from Rocky Creek area to Little Sur River Bridge. Monterey-Salinas Transit is providing limited bus service from Rocky Creek into the Monterey Area; check with them for details.
• CHP is on site to secure the area and ensure public safety.
• It is anticipated that there may be a 5-ton restriction for all vehicles, once the northbound lane is re-opened to vehicle traffic. This is critical for all businesses to be aware of since it may preclude many motor homes, passenger buses and most delivery trucks from using this part of the highway. As work progresses, engineers will re-evaluate the 5-ton restriction.
• Completion time for providing limited vehicle access with traffic signal light control on the existing northbound lane is estimated to be the end of April.

The Road less traveled … (part I)

A friend and neighbor introduced me to this route to Salinas over 16 years ago. It is the least “painful” route I have found from here to there, and it is so enjoyable this time of year. Of course I took photographs. But I also found myself starting a photo essay called, “The Colors of Green.” I will post some of those photos at a later time, but for now enjoy the road less traveled.

Sunrise on the Summit by Kate Woods Novoa

Mossy Waterfall by Kate Woods Novoa

Wild Turkeys by Kate Woods Novoa

Fields of Pink by Kate Woods Novoa

Entrance by Kate Woods Novoa

A Wine called Wrath by Kate Woods Novoa

Those are the first 1/2 of the photos of the road less traveled. The second will follow in a few days, after I catch up with weather and road reports. The weather looks wet Thursday into Friday, with the possibility of thunderstorms, hail, and even a bit of snow on our higher peaks, but the latter half of next week might be interesting.