First, let me dispel the rumors. All is going well and the 4th row of horizontal nails will be completed soon. And if you don’t think they aren’t working just about round the clock trying to get this road open, then take a look at this photo by Ben Grasmuck:
From Kirk Gaffill, president of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, comes this report from a meeting between Cal-Trans and community members held today:
“Installation of soil nails is 75% complete and production rates are far
better than originally expected, due to excellent quality of drilling conditions. Fourth and final row/bench of soil nails is being installed as of today.
Weight load and length limit parameters are anticipated to be identified by Friday, April 15, 2011. At this time, if all continues to go well, there is an excellent chance that there will not be either a weight load limit or length limitation specific to this area of Highway 1.
Caltrans will provide a new progress update on Monday, April 18, 2011, at which time a goal date for re-opening Highway 1 should be provided. If all continues to go well, there is a good possibility that the projected re-opening of the north bound lane with signal control will be approximately a week after Monday, April 18, 2011. It must be emphasized that the anticipated re-opening in that time frame will require continued excellent drilling conditions and all else must go well.”
In other words, if Mother Nature has no more tricks up her sleeve, either on the ground or in the skies, then we can anticipate the highway to reopen one lane on or about Monday, April 25, 2011. Absent surprises, of course. ;-]
Well, this is good news! Big Sur will be accessible from the north again soon! But 2 – 3 years to get both lanes open will be devastating for Big Sur businesses I fear.
el grande sur always has good news always
Great Pic Ben !!
Hi, I’m not a native of Big Sur but plan to travel there in late May. Can anyone familiar with the area venture a guess as to whether Big Sur will be accessible from the north (specifically Carmel) to pedestrians? (Yes, I know it’s approximately 15 miles).
Great blog, by the way! Very informative 🙂
What thrilling news. By God the place has been so empty, this sure cuts into any growing despair.
Thanks for the update. Marvelous to hear.
Wonderful news and great photo! Let’s keep our fingers crossed…….
I’m sure el grande sur stives on always being empty of despair
What a great photo.
Fantastic photo – Tolkienesque! Now I believe!
Excellent photo and even better news!! I hope the focus can now shift to providing a long-term fix for this fated section of the highway… and we need a coastal trail!