CV RD Traffic Nightmare

Many people reported travel times of over an hour this morning. This is the update from Dave Potter’s Office:

“Carmel Valley Road construction traffic update:
We apologize for the extreme wait times today, we have heard reports of 30-60 minutes. We are advising taking alternate routes if possible.

The section of Carmel Valley Road that is being worked on has an average daily traffic (ADT) count of 18,000 vehicles, just the sheer number of cars on the road is impacting wait times. The section of road currently being worked on is too narrow for two-way traffic, currently one-way traffic control with pilot cars is being utilized.

The contractor did have challenges this morning getting traffic control and paving equipment in place which exacerbated the traffic backup.

Traffic control should become more efficient as the project continues. Grinding and paving should be completed by Friday, followed by a couple of weeks to allow the pavement to cure and then striping will take place in April.

Again, we apologize for the extreme daily and thank you for your patience.”

In other news, South Coast Ridge RD. Near apple camp is blocked due to a large tree down. Hopefully the USFS will clear it today.

Highway One Road Closure, North County

The highway fully re-opened at 3:25 pm. Duration of incident: 2 hours, 55 minutes

There is a multi-car accident and fatality on Highway One near SR 183 in North County which has closed the highway in both direction. This from Cal Trans:

SIGALERT –MONTEREY COUNTY
Date/Time: Monday, March 21, 2016 at 1:25 pm
Location: State Route 1 near State Route 183 in Monterey County.
Description of Incident:
State Route 1 is closed from the Jct. of SR 183 to Dolan Road due to a traffic collision involving two vehicles.
Motorists headed southbound are detouring from Hwy. 1 at Dolan Road to State Route 156.
Motorists headed northbound are detouring from Hwy. 1 onto Molera Road.
Estimated Time of Opening
There is no estimate as to when the highway will re-open.
CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad.chp.ca.gov

Jim Shivers
Caltrans District 5
Public Information Officer
(805) 549-3237
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Rain Report. 3/21/16

7:30 am – I was following the weather reports, but last night still took me by surprise. Last I’d read it was a 20% chance, and it would be only .10″ or less. Fooled me. By last night at 9:30 pm, I had .25″. Since midnight’s reset, I’ve had .30″ of rain. I have a 2 and 1/2 hour gap in my rain monitoring – again. Oh well. I mess up. None-the-less, probably somewhere around .6-.75″ total, but I’m guessing here. Tonight’s repeat is the same, only chances are 30%. Should be fun!

Big Sur Flow Study Presentation

Big Sur Flow Study Meeting March 24, 2016,
Grange Hall 3:00 – 5:00 pm

The Department of Fish and Wildlife will present the results of the recently completed Big Sur flow study. At the time the Big Sur Watershed Management Plan was completed, flow study results were not available. This is an opportunity for interested community members to learn about the results of the study and ask questions. Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.

photo credit: Margie Whitnah (she shares the location, date, and history of this shot in the comment section below.)

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Active Slide at Mud Creek

I heard about this earlier today from one of our locals, but here is the official word. (Mud Creek is by Sea View Ranch.)

There is an active slide at PM 8.88 south of Gorda. The entire NB lane was blocked off with an earth berm to prevent material from blocking the entire roadway. We have coned the area off and the Highway will remain open for the time being. The SB lane and a portion of the shoulder are clear. The Willow Springs crew will be out first thing in the morning to access and clean up.

Thanks.

Greg DeAlba Jr.
Supervisor
Willow Springs and Big Sur Maintenance

Paul’s Slide, MM 22, photos

The traveling public making it difficult for Cal Trans to keep up with road work. Photos by Brendon Shave.

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Road Conditions, 3/14/16

At 11:30 am I received this email:

“Just back from walking dogs @ Rocky Creek. Incident jno mm60 (which is just north of the new Rocky Creek viaduct) is entirely cleared. It looks to have been some stray branches from the Westmere cypress trees.” (Martha Diehl)

6:00 am – just got word from a local (sent t 12:30 am, but just received) that Nacimiento is closed due to slides.

As of 5:30 am the CHP website lists 3 areas of concern. (Try as I might, I can’t seem to copy and paste). From South to North they are: MM 26, 34, and 60. MM 26 is Gamboa Point, but the CHP lists it as just north of Limekiln State Park, which is actually closer to MM 20. This one is listed as rocks and boulders and barely enough room for a small car to get through. CHP says there is signage, but not enough. MM 34 is near Esalen’s South Coast Center, and 60 is just South of Palo Colorado Canyon. One of them is a tree that is crossing both lanes, but unclear which. Dawn is still a couple hours away, at which time dawn patrol will be out clearing the way. Until then, be careful, aware, and drive slowly.

Storm Report, 3/13/16

11 pm – bedtime. Currently at 1.82″ since midnight. Still raining. Remembered to write down the monthly amount so I can figure out the rain amount for this last hour. Be safe everyone.

Okay, I’ve been taking the day off, but not without checking on things, specifically road conditions. Here is one that won’t affect most of us … It’s on Garrapatos RD.
Incident: 00365 Type: Traffic Hazard Location: 59625 Garrapatos Rd Loc Desc: Lat/Lon: 36.400156 -121.873975
Detail Information
4:39 PM 3 [5] RP HAS PLACED A RR TIE IN THE RDWY
4:38 PM 2 [4] APPRX 200 YDS FRM THE PRVT ROAD
4:36 PM 1 [1] SINK HOLE IN MIDDLE OF RD , DUE TO A CULVERT THAT HAS BEEN UNDERMINED

I have received over an inch since midnight. I forgot to write down the monthly amount so I could figure out later what I received from 8 pm until midnight. Sorry