FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE #30

TRAFFIC SWITCH AT ROCKY CREEK TO RESULT IN FULL OVERNIGHT CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 1 STARTING THURSDAY, MARCH 6 AT 10 PM

MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans is continuing with emergency repairs to Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge, 12 miles south of Carmel. Caltrans previously stabilized and reinforced Highway 1 at this location after a March 30, 2024, slipout resulted in a loss of a section of the southbound lane.

During an upcoming full overnight closure, crews will switch travel on Highway 1 at Rocky Creek from the northbound lane over to the southbound direction.

This switch signals the completion of construction of the southbound viaduct structure and marks an important milestone in repairs at Rocky Creek. In upcoming months, crews will continue with repair work focused on construction of the northbound viaduct structure.

Full Overnight Closure for Traffic Switch Starts Thursday March 6 at 10 pm

Travelers will encounter a full closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek from Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10 pm thru Friday, March 7 at 6 am.

Flaggers will begin intermittent traffic control with delays of up to 10 minutes at 8:00 pm before the full closure goes into effect.

The schedule for the traffic switch and full overnight closure is weather dependent. Updates will be provided to confirm or announce any changes to this schedule.

The estimate for completion of the Rocky Creek viaduct is summer 2025 and is dependent on conditions encountered during construction. The contractor for this project is Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Walnut Creek, CA.

Travelers are reminded that over 100 miles of Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast remain open and accessible. Travelers from northern California will find easy access to historic bridges, waterfalls, restaurants, and lodging amenities.

Travelers from southern California will find that the highway brings them within reach of the unparalleled views, lodging amenities, and natural wonders of Lucia, the Camaldoli Hermitage, Gorda, Ragged Point, San Simeon, and Cambria.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/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/

| #BeWorkZoneAlert | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube |

###

Jim Shivers

Public-Legislative Affairs Manager

Caltrans District 5

Jim.Shivers@dot.ca.gov

(805) 549-3237 Office

(805) 748-1170 Cell

Twitter@PIOJimShivers

Highway Information: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Salmon Creek on Thursday, 2/13, taken by Sam Farr

Spend your day and your time with loved ones, family, and friends. I get to spend mine with Rock Knocker, who has a serious sweet tooth, so I bought him a box of chocolates.

And now, storm updates:

The worst is over, weather watchers are predicting. But look at the whopping numbers down on the South Coast of Big Sur for the 24 hours ending at 7 am this morning:

I’ve had one of those days: 1 and 1/2 hours waiting for AAA for a dead battery in one of many downpours — no internet, just my cell phone. So I am definitely behind on today’s reporting, but here is a start, but before we get to the warnings, here is Fern Canyon near Highway 1 in Carmel Highlands. There are roadways flooded all over the county. Be careful out there.

Message from Alert Monterey County:

The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings affecting Monterey County:

Flood Advisory in effect through 10 PM Saturday – Urban and small stream flooding, shallow landslides, and possible river and flash flooding.

High Wind Warning in effect through 10 AM Friday – Expect strong winds.

Impacts: Downed trees and power lines, power outages, difficult travel conditions.

High Surf Warning from 3 PM Thursday – 3 AM Saturday – Dangerous surf conditions.

Impacts: Life-threatening swimming conditions, strong rip currents, and significant beach erosion.

PREPARE & STAY SAFE
• Avoid flooded areas and stay off the roads if possible.
• Secure loose outdoor items.
• Stay away from beaches and coastal areas.
• Prepare for power outages and strong winds.

For updates, visit: alertmry.org

To opt out of emergency messages, visit: Alert.FAQ

*****

El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional ha emitido múltiples advertencias que afectan al condado de Monterey:


Aviso de inundaciones vigente hasta las 10 p. m. del sábado: inundaciones urbanas y arroyos pequeños, deslizamientos de tierra poco profundos y posibles inundaciones repentinas y de ríos.

Advertencia de vientos fuertes vigente hasta las 10 a. m. del viernes: se esperan vientos fuertes.

Impactos: árboles y líneas eléctricas derribadas, cortes de energía, condiciones difíciles para viajar.

Advertencia de oleaje fuerte desde las 3 p. m. del jueves hasta las 3 a. m. del sábado: condiciones peligrosas para el oleaje.

Impactos: condiciones para nadar que ponen en riesgo la vida, fuertes corrientes de resaca y erosión significativa de las playas.

PREPÁRESE Y MANTÉNGASE SEGURO

• Evite las áreas inundadas y manténgase fuera de las carreteras si es posible.

• Asegure los artículos sueltos al aire libre.

• Manténgase alejado de las playas y las áreas costeras.

• Prepárese para cortes de energía y vientos fuertes.

Para obtener actualizaciones, visite: alertmry.org

Para dejar de recibir mensajes de emergencia, visite: Alert.FAQ 

Sent by: County of Monterey – Department of Emergency Management
If you have questions email AlertMontereyCounty@co.monterey.ca.us

To update your account and/or email settings, login here.

Evacuation Warning- Flooding

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Warning, effective immediately, due to the risk of flooding in Zones D057-C and D066-B. This affects areas along the Carmel River near Camp Steffani Rd, Wawona Rd, and Lower Paso Hondo. Zone C045-B. This affects areas along Santa Rita Creek in Bolsa Knolls, Salinas. Zone C040-B. This affects residents living along Ralph Lane in Prunedale.

Be ready to leave if an Evacuation Order is issued. Those needing extra time should consider evacuating now. If you feel unsafe, do not wait for an Evacuation Order, leave immediately.

For additional information, visit alertmry.org

Evacuation Warning Map:
https://go.genasys.com/rwq86t
https://go.genasys.com/llsaoi
https://go.genasys.com/2a7s1g

To opt out of our messaging service, visit: alertmry.org/FAQ.|

La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Monterey ha emitido una advertencia de evacuación, con vigencia inmediata, debido al riesgo de inundaciones en las zonas D057-C y D066-B. Esto afecta las áreas a lo largo del río Carmel cerca de Camp Steffani Rd, Wawona Rd y Lower Paso Hondo. Zona C045-B. Esto afecta las áreas a lo largo del arroyo Santa Rita en Bolsa Knolls, Salinas. Zona C040-B. Esto afecta a los residentes que viven a lo largo de Ralph Lane en Prunedale.

Prepárese para irse si se emite una orden de evacuación. Aquellos que necesiten tiempo adicional deben considerar evacuar ahora. Si se siente inseguro, no espere una orden de evacuación, váyase de inmediato.

Para obtener información adicional, visite alertmry.org

Mapa de advertencia de evacuación: https://go.genasys.com/rwq86t
https://go.genasys.com/llsaoi
https://go.genasys.com/2a7s1g

Para cancelar la suscripción a nuestro servicio de mensajería, visite: alertmry.org/FAQ.

Per NOAA/NWS: A Flood Watch has been issued for the coastal counties of
Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey,
in effect from 10 PM Wednesday to 10 PM Saturday. When all is said
and done, most inland locations can expect 1.5 to 2.5 inches, less
in rainshadowed valleys, and 3 to 6 inches in the Santa Cruz Mtns
and Big Sur coastal range.

In addition to the rainfall, damaging winds are expected with the
system, particularly along the coast and the ridgetops, with a High
Wind Watch issued for the entire forecast region from 10 PM
Wednesday to 10 AM Friday. Widespread gusts up to 60 mph range are
possible, with potential gusts in the 70-80 mph range across the
immediate coastline and the ridgetops on the coastal ranges. The
combination of saturated soils and high winds will result in the
increased possibility of downed trees and powerlines, leading to
further damage and/or power outages. There is also a slight chance
for thunderstorms Thursday afternoon

the near coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas in effect from 3PM Wednesday until 3PM Thursday.

*South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas of 6-11ft expected

I know I have been MIA for a few weeks now, life has thrown me some curves so I wanted to share a photo I took tonight…also cuz I missed Photo Sunday AGAIN!!! BTW this sepiai created by nature, not me.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIGHWAY 1 REOPENED BETWEEN RAGGED POINT AND GORDA

AFTER SLIDE REMOVAL

MONTEREY COUNTY – Highway 1 has reopened between Ragged Point in northern San Luis Obispo County and Gorda in southern Monterey County after a small slide was removed from the travel lanes. The slide was located in Monterey County two miles north the county line.

Crews were on scene at first light and cleared debris from the roadway which included a 5 ft. diameter boulder. Crews then inspected and assessed the remainder of the closure area before reopening the roadway.

With this reopening, travelers on Highway 1 will continue to have access to the communities of Lucia, Gorda, Ragged Point, San Simeon, and Cambria. 

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/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/

| #BeWorkZoneAlert | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube |

Crews were on site in the early morning hours of Friday, Feb. 7, to clear debris from lanes.

###

Kevin Drabinski

Public Information Officer

Caltrans District 5

50 Higuera St.

San Luis Obispo CA 93401

Office: 805.549.3138

Cell: 805.748.1858

TTY 711

And this would be why we have a road closure on the South Coast of Big Sur. Let’s see what the light discloses and hope that it can be cleared and opened today, Friday Feb. 7. Update: It indeed opened up at this spot on Friday. It is still closed due to Regent’s Slide at Big Creek, and between Regent’s and Paul’s, the highway has now been closed for a total of two years, the longest since it originally opened.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TWELVE MILES OF HIGHWAY 1 CLOSED OVERNIGHT

BETWEEN RAGGED POINT AND GORDA DUE TO SLIDE

MONTEREY COUNTY – Highway 1 is closed between Ragged Point in northern San Luis Obispo County and Gorda in southern Monterey County due to a small slide covering the northbound lane on a blind curve. The slide is located in Monterey County two miles north the county line.

Crews will be out at first light Friday morning to conduct assessments and clear debris from lanes. Updates and an estimated time for reopening will be provided once crews complete their assessments.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/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.

How can I explain a couple weeks, based on decades of love and care and community in a blog post? I don’t know if I can. Here is today’s story.

I moved to the South Coast of Big Sur in 1989 and turned 40 here. I am now quite a bit older — who am I kidding — a lot older. I moved here from the North Coast — Palo Colorado to be specific. So many friends. Now we are spread out over the Central Coast. Today, a South Coaster who lives in Pacific Grove came to visit Ralph, and it was so good to see her and hug. Haven’t’ seen her in years. We share history, like community does. It was the Wild Fire of 2000 and she was one of the first to come to my aid. She had lost her house a year or two before, but she was like a disciplined drill sergeant, getting up on my roof to take down the tarp while simultaneously shouting down instructions to me as to what to pack. She came to visit Rock Knocker today, and he called her “Mountain Woman” and boy is she. She might be gray, and live in town, but who she is down deep is a Mountain Woman — a South Coast Mountain Woman, and we are the strongest and finest of the current Big Sur.

Thank you, my friend, from Ralph and me.