Tag: Highway One

Full closure at Rain Rocks Rock shed Monday, 6/10 midnight – 6 am

Today’s Date: Thursday, June 6, 2013
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa
Cruz Counties
Contact: Susana Z Cruz (bilingual) or Colin Jones
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or 549-3189
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SIX-HOUR CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 1/PITKINS CURVE BRIDGE AND ROCKSHED PROJECT—EARLY MONDAY MORNING, JUNE 10

MONTEREY COUNTY —Highway 1 at Pitkins Curve (post-mile 21.5) will be fully closed from 12:01 (after midnight) until 6 am on Monday, June 10 for the removal of a temporary trestle or working platform near the rockshed, Caltrans officials announced today.

The full six-hour early morning closure is necessary to remove this platform. Electronic message signs will be posted to alert motorists.

The detour is Hwy. 68, U.S. Hwy. 101 to either Nacimiento-Fergusson Road or Hwy. 46.

The ¼ – mile project limits are from just north of Limekiln Creek Bridge to south of Lucia. The project includes a rockshed, a bridge, and a retaining wall.

“We are excited to provide limited traffic on the new bridge as project completion nears,” said District 5 Director Tim Gubbins. The entire project is scheduled to be done this fall.

Memorial Day Weekend Traffic

5:00 pm update. Another traffic accident when a car needed to be towed 3 miles south of Gorda. Apparently, a lucky driver joined the west of highway one club and his vehicle is 250 ft. down the cliff. The driver apparently suffered no injuries. Going to be a busy weekend. Glad I am up here!

Yesterday, there was a bad motorcycle accident near South Forty, up by Hurricane e Point. Today there is one down by the bottom of my road. This from CHP website:

“Detail Information
2:44 PM 11 [27] CAMBRIA ENRT / ETA WITHIN HOUR
2:25 PM 10 [24] [Rotation Request Comment] 1039 CAMBRIA TOW 805-927-4357
2:19 PM 9 [20] UNKWN EXT OF INJURIES
2:19 PM 8 [17] NB LN 1125
2:18 PM 7 [16] 1185 FOR 2 WILL NEED 2 FLTBEDS
2:18 PM 6 [15] 1039 SALINAS WITH H70 UPDATE
2:18 PM 5 [14] LAS PADRES FIRE 1097
2:17 PM 4 [13] 1039 AIR OPS, H70 ENRT
2:09 PM 3 [10] 1039 S3 LL
2:08 PM 2 [6] CPZ, NEAR PLASKETT CRK RD
2:05 PM 1 [1] SIL VAN VS PK TK W/TRLR?”

Lots more holiday traffic on the roads means lot more opportunities for accidents. Drive carefully, out there!

BTW, decided to postpone the Big Sur LUP publication until after the holiday weekend, so space can be available to update everyone throughout the weekend, as needed.

Rocky Creek Update #31

** UPDATE #31 **
HIGHWAY 1/ROCKY CREEK VIADUCT PROJECT CONTINUES WITH DAYTIME ROADWORK AND INTERMITTENT OVERNIGHT CLOSURES

Daytime roadwork on Highway 1 at Rocky Creek continues next week from 7 am to 5 pm Monday, May 20 through Friday, May 24 with 10-minute delays as needed.

NOTE: There will be NO OVERNIGHT FULL closures next week, but there WILL be NIGHT ROADWORK and traffic may be held for up to 10-minutes as needed from 9 pm to 7 am, starting Monday, May 20 through Thursday, May 23 (Friday 7am). No overnight closures on Sunday, May 19.

BSMAAC meeting Agenda, Minutes, and separate Working Group Meeting on Short Term Rentals and Events

There is a new web site devoted to these meetings with links to agendas, minutes, and member reports. It can be found here

Thanks so much, Laura, and all!

BIG SUR MULTI-AGENCY
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Congressman Sam Farr and Supervisor Dave Potter, Co-Chairs

FRIDAY, May 17, 2013 – 10:00 A.M.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Lodge Conference Center
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur

AGENDA

10:00 a.m.​I.​CALL TO ORDER​ ​ Congressman Sam Farr

​II.​ROLL CALL AND INTRODUCTIONS

. APPROVE MINUTES OF October 19, 2012

10:15​IV.​PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

10:25​V.​OLD BUSINESS
1. Coastal Trail Update​​ ​Sen. Bill Monning
. NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion on LCP update process
re: short term rentals and events in Big Sur ​ ​Carl Holm
2. Vista Point Interpretive Displays​Corby Kilmer, Caltrans
3. Elephant Trunk Slide Permanent Repair Project​Lisa Lowerison, Caltrans​
11:00 ​VII.​REPORTS FROM MEMBER AGENCIES

(please bring written report)

Big Sur Resident Member
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
Coast Property Owners’ Association
Monterey County Planning Department
Monterey County Board of Supervisors
Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District
California Coastal Commission
Caltrans
State Parks and Recreation
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
United States Forest Service
30th District, State Assembly
17th District, State Senate
United States Congress​
​
12:30 p.m.​VIII.​REPORTS FROM OTHER AGENCIES​

1:00​ IX.​NEXT MEETING ON: August 9, 2013 (Please note date change)

​ (10:00 a.m. Pfeiffer Conference Room, Big Sur Lodge)
​
​2013 Dates

​November 1, 2013

1:05​ X.​ADJOURNMENT

Here are the minutes from the last meeting in October :

BIG SUR MULTI-AGENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 19, 2012
PFEIFFER BIG SUR LODGE CONFERENCE CENTER
47225 HIGHWAY 1, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA 93920

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Dave Potter, at 10:20 am. Roll call and introductions were made. Attendees are: Congressman Sam Farr, Supervisor Dave Potter, Tim Short (USFS), Aileen Lowe (Caltrans), Laura Lawrence (County Planning), CL Price (California State Parks), Kirk Gafill (Chamber of Commerce), Rob Carver (CPOA), and Dick Ravich (Resident of Big Sur).

Supervisor Potter introduced former Coastal Commissioner and Santa Cruz Supervisor Mark Stone. He is currently running for the office of Representative of the 29th Assembly District.

PROCEEDINGS
. Minutes:
– Minutes of July 20, 2012 were approved as written.
. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items:
– Bill Nye: A fundraising golf tournament will be held on November 10, 2012 to benefit the Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery. Donations can be made through CCVCF.com. The culverts along the Old Coast Road are being replaced; the road will be closed during the week from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm through October 26th.
– Ken Eklund: The next Big Sur River Watershed Plan stakeholders meeting will be held at the Big Sur Station on November 14, 2012 from 10-12:00 pm.
– Martha Karstens: Gave a heads-up to everyone about an upcoming bike ride for disabled riders on October 23, 2012. The ride will follow Highway 1 from the Carmel Mission Inn to Cambria. The Big Sur Fire Brigade and others have been meeting to strategize how to handle planned road closures in case of emergencies. Sheriff Scott Miller stated that they will be staging a car on the south end of the closure in case of an emergency; a resident reserve officer will also stay overnight.
– Rick Hutchinson from CALFIRE: encouraged residents to pay the invoices for State Responsibility Area (SRA) fire prevention fees that started showing up in the mail 2 weeks ago in order to avoid paying fines. The Howard Jarvis Tax Association has filed a lawsuit over the fees. Congressman Sam Farr commented that the fees should be going to first responders; in many cases, CALFIRE is not the first responder. Rick also noted that the Air Resources Board will require permits this year for burning.

OLD BUSINESS
. Rocky Creek Viaduct Update: Ken Dostalek, Project Manager, Caltrans
– Construction on the viaduct started after Labor Day; construction is estimated to be completed in the fall of 2013.
– The viaduct is 600 feet long with 9 supports (2 abutments and 7 columns or “bents”.)
– The drilling is going slower than anticipated; construction of the piles, pile caps and girders will finish at the end of January 2013.
– The changeable message sign at the Carmel River Bridge will be used to identify road closures. The contractor anticipates some overnight closures (10 hours at a time) will be necessary, but they are working to do as much as they can without closing the road.
– Project information is available on the Caltrans website.
– Congressman Farr stated that the design of the viaduct doesn’t seem to be consistent with the Coast Highway Management Plan.
– Supervisor Stone commented that a bridge recently built in Mendocino County has a more aesthetically-pleasing design. Aileen Lowe said she would look into it.
– Supervisor Potter stated that the site is challenging for construction and that they have come a long way with the design of the viaduct. The design of the rail is dependant on the required safety measures.
– Ken stated that Caltrans can revisit the rail design in the future but due to the short time period for design and construction, Caltrans had to go with a rail design that had already passed safety review.; Aileen stated she would bring back information to the community about railing designs.

NEW BUSINESS
None

REPORTS FROM MEMBER AGENCIES
Dick Ravich (Resident of Big Sur):
– Big Sur Fire Brigade Strategic Planning is moving ahead.
– The Brigade’s water tender needs to be replaced; they are starting a fund to raise money for the replacement.
– The Big Sur Coast Land Use Plan (BSCLUP) update will be coordinated through the LUAC; the public is encouraged to participate.
– The River Run will be held on October 27, 2012 at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
– The Bal Masque will be held at Nepenthe on October 31, 2012; there will be no Caltrans road closure that night.
– Still working to get high speed internet to the community. Ailene Krebs helped prepare a grant proposal. Hughes, Xcede and DISH are the options available.

Kirk Gafill (Big Sur Chamber of Commerce):
– Business levels are at or near record levels; there have been a lot of foreign visitors to the area.
– Caltrans road closures are challenging to businesses and residents and expressed appreciation to Caltrans communication of upcoming closures.

Rob Carver (CPOA)
– CPOA’s Annual Meeting will be held on November 19, 2012 at the Grange; the BSCLUP update is the topic.
– A public workshop on the Coastal Trail will be held in January.

Laura Lawrence (RMA Planning Department):
– Project list is available. If you would like to receive it electronically before the meeting, please use the sign up sheet in the back.
– The RMA is looking into the issues created by public events in Big Sur—issues such as parking, garbage, noise, commercial public events on private lands, and live music.

Dave Potter (Monterey County Board of Supervisors):
– It is election season; he will be focusing on the run-off between now and November 6th as much as he can. Supervisor Potter will be returning to Boston on Monday and will remain there until the election to be with his mother who is ill.

Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District: absent

California Coastal Commission (CCC): absent

Aileen Lowe (Caltrans):
– Thanked the community for their participation; communication for the Caltrans projects is complex.
– Caltrans will continue to try and accommodate requests for no road closures.
– Tim Gubbins has been appointed the new Director for Caltrans District 5.
– $500 million worth of projects are going on in the District right now.

CL Price (State Parks):
– A redesign of the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is going on now. It is estimated to be completed in March 2013.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: absent

Tim Short (USFS):
– This is his first BSMAAC since he was permanently hired; he has moved into the new district office in King City.
– The new office will be dedicated on November 1st; the building is constructed of straw bales.
– He is working on establishing office hours for Big Sur.
– Sherry Tune is now the Forest Supervisor in Mendocino County; she said she misses our meeting.

27th District, State Assembly: absent

15th District, State Senate: absent

28th District, State Assembly: absent

Congressman Sam Farr (United States Congress):
– The construction on the roads in the community is a result of Stimulus funds and will end eventually.
– Proposition 30 is a “make or break” for California.
– The debt limit needs to be raised again; implementing cuts and taxes will take too much money out of the economy.
– Congress and Senate have a lot of work to do before the end of the year; there is a lot of division between the two. He predicts they will “kick the can down the road” again.
– Government has been hit the hardest in California when it comes to jobs.

REPORTS FROM OTHER AGENCIES
​None.

Next meeting is scheduled for February 1, 2013 (canceled). The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 pm.

FINALLY:

Working Group for the issue of Short Term Rentals and Events to be held Wednesday, May 22 from 1-2 pm, Salinas Government Center, Monterey Room, 168 Alisal, salinas. For additional information contact Dave Potter’s Office, 831-647-7755.

Fire spotting, early

Drove by the strangest sight, so turned around for photos. When I got in cell phone range, I reported it. Just as I was pulling into River Inn for Mother’s Day music on the river, I saw the CHP going south with lights.

20130512-115608.jpg

20130512-115724.jpg

I can’t tell what they were burning, but it ain’t wood. Looked like a backpack, luggage, or some weird thing. Very odd. They didn’t even look up from the fire when I pulled in, either.

Rocky Creek Update

** UPDATE #30 **
HIGHWAY 1/ROCKY CREEK VIADUCT PROJECT CONTINUES WITH DAYTIME ROADWORK AND INTERMITTENT OVERNIGHT CLOSURES

Daytime roadwork on Highway 1 at Rocky Creek continues next week from 7 am to 5 pm Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 17.

NOTE: There will be ONE NIGHT of work and FULL overnight closure next week—Thursday, May 16 from 9 pm to 7 am (Friday, May 17).

The closure is needed to shift traffic onto the completed portion of the viaduct.

Rocky Creek Viaduct Update #28 – no closures next week

** UPDATE #28 **
HIGHWAY 1/ROCKY CREEK VIADUCT PROJECT CONTINUES WITH DAYTIME ROADWORK AND INTERMITTENT OVERNIGHT CLOSURES

Daytime roadwork on Highway 1 at Rocky Creek continues next week from 7 am to 5 pm Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 3.

NOTE: There will be no night work or overnight closures next week—from Sunday, April 28 through Thursday, May 2.

Work next week will consist of grading the viaduct approaches.

Highway 1 at Rocky Creek has one-way signalized traffic control 24/7. Traffic will be stopped for 10 minutes at a time during daytime roadwork. Full overnight closures will be scheduled five nights a week Sundays through Thursdays, unless otherwise indicated. No overnight closures will occur on Friday/Saturday nights.

Big Sur Marathon Highway closure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Julie Armstrong, Marketing Communications Director
831-625-6226 / Julie@bsim.org

Traffic Delayed On California Highway One
For Big Sur International Marathon

The 28th annual Big Sur International Marathon, a major sporting event on California’s Central Coast, necessitates the temporary closure of California Highway One for a half day on Sunday, April 28. Highway One traffic from north of and throughout the Monterey Peninsula will not be affected.

Thousands of runners and walkers from all 50 states and 35 countries will be heading north on a point-to-point course along Highway One from Big Sur toward the finish line at Rio Road in Carmel. During this time, vehicular traffic will be limited to convoys that travel in CHP-escorted caravans at designated times throughout the morning hours until 1 p.m. when the highway will be re-opened to through traffic.

Southbound traffic along Highway One in Big Sur will be restricted south of the Carmel Highlands beginning at 4 a.m. and northbound traffic will be closed from Big Sur at 6:00 a.m. Highway One will reopen at 1 p.m. For Monterey Peninsula residents and tourists needing to head south, CHP-escorted convoys will leave from the Crossroads Shopping Village at 9:45 a.m. and at 11:40 a.m. For Big Sur residents and travelers from the south, all cars must be north of the Big Sur Post Office by 6:15 a.m. Additional northbound convoys will leave from Pt. Sur at 10:50 a.m. and from Palo Colorado at 12:50 p.m. All times are approximate and subject to delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

Monterey Peninsula spectators wishing to enjoy the excitement of Sunday’s Big Sur Marathon can travel from Highway One onto Carmel Valley Road and south on Carmel Rancho Blvd. to nearby public parking areas. The finish line can be best viewed from the west (ocean) side of Highway One just south of Rio Road. Runners and spectators can also gather in the “Marathon Village” finishers’ area where a variety of participant service tents offering food, massage, medical treatment, awards and more will be located.

The Big Sur Marathon’s JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K taking place on Saturday morning, April 27, will also result in minor short-term street closures and delays in the city of Pacific Grove. The JUST RUN 3K for local school children and their families will take place along Ocean View Blvd. from Lovers Point to the Hopkins Marine Station beginning at 8 a.m. The street and recreation trail will be closed from 6 to 9 a.m. to accommodate the 3,500 children and adults registered for the race. The area surrounding Lovers Point Park will remain closed to vehicle traffic until after the post race festivities conclude at 11 a.m.

For questions on access and travel delays, please contact the Big Sur International Marathon office, 831-625-6226 or info@bsim.org.

Rocky Creek Update #27 – no closures the rest of this week and all next week

** UPDATE #27 **
HIGHWAY 1/ROCKY CREEK VIADUCT PROJECT CONTINUES WITH DAYTIME ROADWORK AND INTERMITTENT OVERNIGHT CLOSURES

Daytime roadwork on Highway 1 at Rocky Creek continues next week from 7 am to 5 pm Monday, April 22 through Friday, April 26.

NOTE: The scheduled night closure for tonight, April 17 has been cancelled. There will be no more night closures for the rest of this week and also there will be no night work or overnight closures next week—from Sunday, April 21 through Thursday, April 25.

Work next week will be off the highway and consist of removing form from the bridge deck pour and building viaduct approach slabs and railing for the bridge.

Highway 1 at Rocky Creek has one-way signalized traffic control 24/7. Traffic will be stopped for 10 minutes at a time during daytime roadwork. Full overnight closures will be scheduled five nights a week Sundays through Thursdays, unless otherwise indicated. No overnight closures will occur on Friday/Saturday nights.

The project to construct a permanent viaduct about 15 miles south of Carmel near the Rocky Creek Bridge began on Sept. 4. Completion is scheduled for the end of October, weather permitting. Daily roadwork schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions and other factors so stay tuned for regular updates.

Yet ANOTHER construction project on Highway One

As you can tell by my title, I, and probably many of us here on the South Coast, am frustrated. This is number FOUR, all going on together – that is an additional 40 minutes to go north, for an already long trip. It isn’t just the stoppages, though, it is all the traffic backed up one cannot get around, so one is consigned to the lowest common denominator in terms of miles per hour, which seems to be 30-35 mph, and many times, 15-20 mph. I have 150 things that I can only do north, and no way can I drive six hours round trip and get more than two done. Grrr…

Today’s Date: Friday, April 12, 2013
District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Susana Z. Cruz or Colin Jones
Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3189

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIGHWAY 1 EMERGENCY CULVERT REPLACEMENT BEGINS NEAR BIG SUR

MONTEREY COUNTY – An emergency culvert replacement on Hwy. 1 near Big Sur (postmile 50.36), just north of Captain Cooper School begins next Monday, April 15, Caltrans officials announced today.

Roadwork consists of one-way traffic control from 6 am to 3 pm Mondays through Fridays. Up to 10-minute delays can be anticipated. Work is expected to complete by the end of April.

The purpose of this emergency roadwork is to replace a failed culvert that has caused a large sinkhole.

The contractor for this $40,000 project is Robert J. Frank Construction of Redding.