**UPDATE #5–TRAFFIC ADVISORY**
CALTRANS CLOSURE OF HWY. 1 AT MUD CREEK/PAUL’S SLIDE TO CONTINUE THROUGH TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
MONTEREY COUNTY — Caltrans has received confirmation from National Weather Service (NOAA) data that a significant storm will continue in the areas of Mud Creek (PM 8.9) and Paul’s Slide (PM 21.6) on State Route 1 in the Big Sur area over the next 24 hours. The previously announced highway closure will continue today between Ragged Point (SLO PM 72.87) to Gorda (MON PM 10.12). The Highway 1 closure, for traveler safety, will include the areas of Mud Creek and Paul’s Slide and will remain closed today, Monday, Feb. 4 until further notice. SEE ATTACHED CLOSURE MAP.
Storm activity is currently forecast through Tuesday, Feb. 5th.
Businesses along the Big Sur Coast on Hwy. 1 remain open and are accessible via Highways 101, 68 and 46.
Caltrans’ Geotech, Maintenance and Construction units are on call and prepared to inspect/clean up when the storm ends during the daylight hours and it is safe to be onsite again—we currently anticipate this to be Tuesday, Feb. 5th. Caltrans’ goal is to open the roadway as quickly and safely as possible and our staff remains on-call 24/7.
The gates on either side of Mud Creek and Paul’s Slide will be key locked. These gates will not be manned when the highway is closed and there will be no access to anyone, including Emergency Services or Caltrans employees until a proper assessment can be made and any necessary cleanup has been completed.
An update will be provided Tuesday, Feb. 5th during the afternoon hours or sooner.
We were denied the opportunity last summer to visit the Big Sur area because of the reconstruction of the PCH. We are very much believers of not leave no trace and not disturbing the tranquility of locals in the area. We really hope to get to visit Big Sur this summer, as we have never been there before but always wanted to visit it. Thanks for the updates.
Make sure you have reservations wherever you are staying. Everything fills up fast here. Summer is the time of fires, of course, too, so hopefully, that won’t be a factor.