Note: the current expectation is that this light will be active thru the 2028 Big Sur Marathon.
| Date: | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 |
| District: | 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties |
| Contact: | Kevin Drabinski or Ashton Harris |
| Phone: | (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNALS TO ACTIVATE ON HIGHWAY 1
AT THE ROCKY CREEK BRIDGE ON FRIDAY, MAY 29
MONTEREY COUNTY – A temporary traffic signal system will be activated on Highway 1 at the Rocky Creek Bridge on Friday, May 29, at 6 am. The Rocky Creek Bridge is located 12 miles south of Carmel.
These signals will operate 24/7 and travelers can expect delays of up to 10 minutes.
This signal system is being activated in support of an Electrochemical Chloride Extraction (ECE) treatment project designed to extend the life of the bridge. Signals will be in place for the entirety of the project, which is now estimated to be complete by June 2028, weather permitting.
Prior to the activation of the temporary signals, travelers will encounter overnight one-way reversing traffic control with flaggers from 8 pm to 6 am starting Tuesday, May 26 thru Friday, May 29.
The Rocky Creek Bridge is experiencing active corrosion of the steel reinforcement due to the presence of chlorides in the concrete which cause degradation of the structural concrete elements.
Electrochemical Chloride Extraction treatment will restore the health of the bridge and extend the life of the bridge by halting the active corrosion of the steel reinforcement through the removal of chloride ions.
There will be permit load restrictions throughout the duration of the project. Wide and heavy loads are advised to contact Caltrans Permits Office prior to planned travel or plan an alternate route. Detours will not be posted or available.
Please note that due to weight restrictions resulting from the scaffolding being erected beneath the bridge structure, the signal will remain on during public events such as the 2026 and 2027 Monterey Car Week and the 2027 and 2028 Big Sur International Marathon.
Travelers are advised to give themselves extra time when travelling through the area.
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.
Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.
CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov
Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Let’s hope they apply the ECE treatment to the historic bridge rails also, so that the whole bridge is preserved, not just the arches!