A major stretch of California’s Highway 1 along the Big Sur coastline is fully open again after years of closures caused by landslides and roadway damage, restoring a critical coastal route that had been largely inaccessible since 2023.
The 90-mile section reopened around midday Wednesday, three months ahead of schedule, following extensive repair work by the California Department of Transportation. The reopening reconnects Carmel and Cambria along the central coast and restores direct access to Big Sur, a region that had been cut off by repeated closures.
“Today is a monumental milestone for us,” said Colin Twohig, general manager of the Big Sur River Inn. “We’re hitting the light at the end of the tunnel after three long years.”
What Led to the Long Closure
Highway 1 first shut down in January 2023 after powerful atmospheric rivers triggered a major landslide that buried the roadway in mud and rock. Additional damage followed during another wet winter the next year, including a lane collapse near Rocky Creek Bridge.
Over time, closures occurred at multiple points along the route. The final segment to reopen was a 7-mile stretch near Lucia, according to Caltrans.
During the shutdown, what was once a relatively short coastal drive became an inland detour taking as long as eight hours, significantly impacting travel, tourism, and local access.
Why the Reopening Matters for the Region
Big Sur is home to fewer than 2,000 residents and relies heavily on visitor traffic. The area is known for its steep coastal cliffs, hiking trails, and remote beaches, making Highway 1 its primary connection to the rest of the state.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the reopening on social media, crediting Caltrans for restoring what he described as a vital economic link for the region and thanking crews for completing the work ahead of schedule.
California Assemblymember Dawn Addis, whose district includes Big Sur, said the reopening is critical for the area’s recovery.
“This turning point will help restore revenue, access to our state parks, support jobs, public safety, and economic stability for many of our residents,” Addis said in a statement.
How Caltrans Stabilized the Highway
Caltrans referred to Highway 1 as the jewel of the state highway system and used specialized equipment to complete the repairs in challenging terrain. Crews deployed remotely operated bulldozers and excavators to remove debris from unstable slopes.
To reduce the risk of future landslides, workers drilled 4,600 steel bars into the hillsides in a grid pattern to reinforce the slopes, according to the department.
Impact on Local Businesses
For businesses along the route, the closure had lasting effects. Twohig said the Big Sur River Inn experienced about a 20% drop in business during the shutdown. The timing, coming shortly after COVID-19 restrictions, compounded the challenge.
“When you have a hospitality business, you really rely on the busy season, and when there is no busy season, it can be a hard pill to swallow,” he said. “Having that lifeline back is huge.”
Twohig said the inn used the downtime to make improvements and increase marketing efforts to attract California residents during slower travel periods. With the road reopened, he expects visitor traffic to gradually return, including travelers in cars and motorhomes.
What Drivers Should Know
While Highway 1 is now fully open through Big Sur, the area remains prone to weather-related disruptions during heavy rain seasons. Drivers should continue to monitor Caltrans updates when planning coastal routes, especially during winter months.
For now, the reopening restores a long-disrupted connection along California’s central coast and brings relief to residents, businesses, and travelers who depend on the iconic highway.
Source: The Trucker
