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California’s iconic Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast fully reopened Wednesday, ending a three-year saga of closures that severely impacted tourism and local businesses in one of the state’s most picturesque regions. The final 7-mile stretch near Lucia was cleared three months ahead of schedule, restoring the complete 90-mile scenic route that serves as a crucial link between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
“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.”
The trouble began in January 2023 when a series of powerful atmospheric rivers triggered a major landslide that buried portions of the highway under mud and rocks. The situation worsened during another wet winter the following year, when additional landslides occurred and a lane collapsed down a cliff near the Rocky Creek Bridge.
These closures effectively isolated Big Sur, a remote stretch of California’s central coast known for its dramatic landscape where forested mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. The region, home to fewer than 2,000 residents, saw its north-south connection severed, turning what was once a short drive into an eight-hour detour inland.
The economic impact on the area was substantial. Twohig estimated his inn, which features 22 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a general store, experienced a 20% drop in business during the closure period. The timing was particularly difficult, coming directly after COVID-19 restrictions had already strained local businesses.
“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,” Twohig explained. “Having that lifeline back is huge.”
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) undertook an extensive engineering challenge to repair the damage. Workers deployed remotely operated bulldozers and excavators to safely remove tons of debris from steep terrain. In a remarkable feat of stabilization, crews then drilled 4,600 steel bars into the slopes in a grid pattern to reinforce the hillside and reduce the risk of future slides.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the reopening on social media, thanking Caltrans for their expedited work in “reviving a vital economic lifeline for local business owners and residents affected by the closure.” The agency has long referred to Highway 1 as the jewel of the state’s highway system due to its unparalleled coastal views and tourism significance.
California Assemblymember Dawn Addis, a Democrat whose district includes Big Sur, highlighted the broader implications of the reopening. “This turning point will help restore revenue, access to our state parks, support jobs, public safety, and economic stability for many of our residents,” she said in a statement.
Big Sur’s allure as a tourist destination is deeply rooted in its natural beauty and cultural significance. The area is renowned for its panoramic hiking trails along high cliffs and craggy beaches where visitors might spot seals and sea lions basking in the sun. It also has literary significance as the former home of author Henry Miller, who lived there for nearly two decades starting in the 1940s. A library dedicated to his work remains a cultural landmark in the region.
Local business owners are optimistic that the highway’s reopening, well ahead of the busy summer tourist season, will give travelers ample time to include Big Sur in their California road trip plans. The timing is particularly fortunate, allowing the region to capitalize on the peak travel months after years of difficult access.
For residents and business owners who weathered the extended isolation, the reopening represents not just a return to normalcy but a chance to rebuild and thrive after years of economic uncertainty. As vehicles once again traverse the full length of this iconic coastal route, Big Sur stands ready to welcome back the world.
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12 Comments
Glad to hear Highway 1 is finally reopened after those devastating landslides. The Big Sur coast is such a scenic and iconic part of California, it must have been a huge blow to local businesses. Hopefully the restoration of this vital transportation link will help the region bounce back quickly.
Yes, it’s great news that the full 90-mile route is back in service. The landslides really cut off access to this beautiful stretch of coastline. Kudos to the transportation crews who worked hard to get it reopened ahead of schedule.
As someone who has driven Highway 1 before, I can imagine how challenging the past 3 years must have been for tourism and the local economy in Big Sur. Landslides are always a risk in that rugged coastal terrain, but it’s good to see the state was able to get the road repaired and fully operational again.
Absolutely. The highway is such an important artery for the region, connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco. With it closed, businesses in Big Sur were really struggling. Hopefully the reopening will provide a much-needed boost.
Impressive that the final 7-mile stretch of Highway 1 was cleared 3 months early. That must have taken an incredible amount of work and coordination. The Big Sur coast is such a scenic and unique part of California, so I’m sure the local businesses and residents are relieved to have that vital transportation link restored.
Definitely, the reopening is great news for the region. Those landslides effectively cut off Big Sur, which must have been a huge challenge. Kudos to the crews who worked hard to get the highway back up and running ahead of schedule.
It’s incredible that Caltrans was able to get the final 7-mile stretch reopened 3 months ahead of schedule. That must have taken an enormous effort, given the scale of the damage from those landslides. Kudos to the crews who worked to restore this scenic and vital transportation link.
Agreed, that’s really impressive turnaround time. Landslides can be such a nightmare to clear, so it’s great the state was able to prioritize the repairs and get the full route back online. This will make a big difference for the local economy.
The Big Sur coast is such a beautiful and unique part of California. I’m sure the extended closures of Highway 1 dealt a major blow to tourism and the livelihoods of residents. Glad to see the full scenic route is finally restored, even if it took 3 years of hard work.
Definitely, that region is a real gem and a huge draw for visitors. It must have been really tough for the local community to be cut off from the main transportation artery for so long. Hopefully the reopening will help them recover quickly.
Kudos to Caltrans and the construction crews who worked to reopen Highway 1 ahead of schedule. That must have been an enormous undertaking given the scale of the landslide damage. I’m sure the residents and businesses in Big Sur are relieved to have that vital link restored.
Absolutely, it’s great to see the highway fully operational again. The Big Sur region is so dependent on tourism, so the extended closures must have been devastating. Hopefully the reopening will provide a much-needed economic boost.