Caltrans to replace retaining wall

Date:	Friday, January 26, 2024
District:	05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact:	Kevin Drabinski or Jim Shivers
Phone:	(805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EMERGENCY PROJECT TO REPLACE DAMAGED RETAINING WALL

TO BEGIN ON HIGHWAY 1 IN BIG SUR

MONTEREY COUNTY – Crews are scheduled to begin the replacement of a retaining wall below the roadway on Highway 1 at Post Mile 47.8 in Monterey County after several concrete blocks that armored the highway were loosened after recent rains and water flows from the Big Sur River.

This location is .75 miles north of Fernwood and adjacent to where Caltrans recently removed a logjam from the Big Sur River. 

Crews will begin delivering large rocks to the site on Saturday Jan. 27.Equipment will be mobilized and staged to respond to any changes in site conditions as a result of upcoming forecasted weather events. There should be little or no impact to travelers at this time as a result of these mobilization efforts.

Specific updates about the nature and timing of the retaining wall replacement work will be provided. At present, engineering, environmental, and hydrological assessments are underway in order to help inform the repair design.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

WAY TO GO, CALTRANS! Two days after I published re this problem, and the solution is being implemented. Thanks to Barbara Ray and Ken Wright for notifying me. And to Patte Kronlund for contacting Kate Daniels and Senator Laird who provided their assistance with Caltrans, Sacramento! It takes a village of dedicated, caring Big Surians.