Hi everyone. Avis here with the last installment of my experience 172′ in the air, in a basket, above the Pitkin Curve bridge & rock shed job.
This time I will focus on the rock shed. An amazing feat of man and machine working to alter the flow of “Mother Nature”
Common in Europe for avalanche diversion from mountain roads, this is the very first Rock Shed ever built in the United States. I think when this job is done, it will be an historical icon for highway 1 that will rival the Bixby Bridge. The rock shed looks a lot like a tunnel. It has two sides, a roof and is open on both ends. As you will see through these pics, it’s a massive amount of concrete designed to force the rocks that fall to land on the roof of the shed then down to the beach.
That rock face they are working in front of is called “Rain Rock”. It has literally rained down tons and tons of rocks over the years. Many times closing the road for weeks at a time. Not to mention the thousands of flat tires it used to cause.
As you drive through the rock shed, on the ocean side of the road it will have arch shaped windows to enjoy the view from. I can’t wait to take some pics from inside looking out.
Well that’s it for now. The job supervisor said very soon they will be putting up the archway window sides and the top to the rock shed. And I get to go up again when that happens. Yay!! Should be some cool shots with the bridge and rock shed done.
Thanks for the venue to post this Kate. And thank you to all of your readers for all their kind comments.
Kate told me to post the link to my online photo gallery. A work in progress.
Avis, thèse tell an incredible story! Thank you so much. You missed your calling you are a great photo documentary person. Much love, Kate
Thank you, thank you Avis!
I still can’t picture what it will look like finished.
I worked on the aesthetic design committee for the rock shed, and it will be like a tunnel, with open arches on the ocean side. It has been a thorn in the side of the South Coast for decades! It will be nice to have safe passage.
My Darlin’ Kate !! Wadda RIDE !! Thank you So VERY Much for the photos.
I will be at E-land (Esalen) for a month in April – am anxious to see The Road.
‘n Kate … just another “You Are Great’ comment from ‘your Public’ – even Canadians like me. who come toThe Coast for a few months a year (since 1976 !! <<< I am bite by The Sur … happily so.)
I am so pleased to have Big Sur Kate in my mail box – you bring news of The Sur available nowhere else. Shorter lines in Heaven for Folk like you.
best
mc
I’m not sure why I’m surprised, but to think that this much concern, invention, and art went into our highway is thrilling. And Kate herself in on the design! Until I read the responses I wondered who had the enthusiastic brilliance to really make something workable and gorgeous. Bravo on all fronts, what a fabulous addition to the world. Thank you Avis and Kate for the detailed work in progress. No one will ever convince me that we humans don’t adore and enhance our planet.
Great pics, Avis! I get vertigo just looking at it. Kudos to all the construction crew and all involved to keep our passage safe. It “used” to be my greatest fear driving through there in the rain, before they put up the netting. There’s always another spot around the corner tho to keep the ride a thrill! Rain’s comin’, bring it on!!
I know this misses the whole point but how about a bar on the roof?
The Hard Rock Cafe! Or the Hard Hat ReBar and Grill!
Rock Knocker says: “I wouldn’t stand (or sit) under Rain Rocks for nothing!” So any rebar and grill would be deadly. Rocks the size of trucks fell in 82 or 85, he can’t remember which!