California's Highway 1 reopens after years-long closure due to landslides. The popular scenic route has been closed for nearly two years, leaving tourists and local businesses with little to no access to this stunning stretch of coastline.
The $82.6 million repair project, which involved working on one of California's most challenging slopes, is finally complete. After a series of setbacks, including a "moderate slide" that had to be cleared before crews could resume work last week, the road has been restored.
California Governor Gavin Newsom hailed the reopening as "a vital corridor" and the "gateway to California's coast," emphasizing its importance to the local economy and community. The highway's closure had already caused significant disruptions to the region, with many businesses relying on tourism for survival.
According to the US Geological Survey, a 75-mile stretch of the Big Sur coastline is one of the most active landslide areas in the western US, with over 1,500 mapped slides. This geological activity has led to numerous closures and repairs along Highway 1 in recent years.
Crews worked tirelessly on the project, utilizing unmanned equipment to stabilize the hillside and remove millions of cubic yards of material from the highway. Steel reinforcements as long as 60ft were used to support the road, allowing workers to complete the challenging repairs without putting themselves at risk.
The reopening is a welcome relief for local residents, businesses, and families who have endured extraordinary challenges during the repair process. As state senator John Laird put it, "the road is a lifeline" that has brought much-needed economic activity to the community.
With Highway 1 now open, visitors can once again experience the breathtaking views of the Big Sur coastline.
The $82.6 million repair project, which involved working on one of California's most challenging slopes, is finally complete. After a series of setbacks, including a "moderate slide" that had to be cleared before crews could resume work last week, the road has been restored.
California Governor Gavin Newsom hailed the reopening as "a vital corridor" and the "gateway to California's coast," emphasizing its importance to the local economy and community. The highway's closure had already caused significant disruptions to the region, with many businesses relying on tourism for survival.
According to the US Geological Survey, a 75-mile stretch of the Big Sur coastline is one of the most active landslide areas in the western US, with over 1,500 mapped slides. This geological activity has led to numerous closures and repairs along Highway 1 in recent years.
Crews worked tirelessly on the project, utilizing unmanned equipment to stabilize the hillside and remove millions of cubic yards of material from the highway. Steel reinforcements as long as 60ft were used to support the road, allowing workers to complete the challenging repairs without putting themselves at risk.
The reopening is a welcome relief for local residents, businesses, and families who have endured extraordinary challenges during the repair process. As state senator John Laird put it, "the road is a lifeline" that has brought much-needed economic activity to the community.
With Highway 1 now open, visitors can once again experience the breathtaking views of the Big Sur coastline.
I'm so stoked that CA's Highway 1 is finally back open 
! The road closure was like, super long (2 yrs) and it really messed with the local economy 
. But now, people can get back to enjoying the stunning views of Big Sur 
. I heard the repairs were a total challenge, though - like, they had to move millions of cubic yards of material and use steel reinforcements as long as 60ft 
. And there's still some geological activity going on in the area, but at least the road is safe now 
. The reopening is def a welcome relief for everyone who depends on tourism 
.
. I FEEL BAD FOR ALL THE TOURISTS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES WHO HAD TO DEAL WITH THE LITTLE TO NO ACCESS TO THIS AMAZING PLACE. $82 MILLION IS A LOT OF CASH, BUT IT WAS WORTH IT IN THE END 
. I'M JUST GLAD THAT THE CREWS WORKED SO HARD ON THE PROJECT, USING ALL KINDS OF COOL EQUIPMENT LIKE UNMANNED DRONES AND STEEL REINFORCEMENTS 
. NOW WE CAN ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL VIEWS AGAIN AND SUPPORT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY 
.
! I've been waiting for like forever and it's amazing to know that the $82 million repair project is done 
, it's crazy how geology can affect our daily lives. Glad the crews used unmanned equipment to stabilize the hillside and steel reinforcements to support the road - safety first, right? 
. It's awesome to see the governor saying it's a vital corridor for the local economy, I've had some of my best memories driving along that route with my family 
. Now let's hope they keep it open so we can enjoy those breathtaking views 
those landslide closures were like, super frustrating for tourists & local bizs alike 
it's crazy to think its been almost 2 yrs since they had access to that stunning stretch of coast 
tourists r gonna be so happy 2 c those stunning views again 
. and dont 4get, thos ppl whot run local biz's are literally livin on tourism alone 
but seriously, 2 years is way too long to be stuck on detour 
. glad some of it went towards making the road safe again 
.
. anyhoo, im sure the reopening will bring back lots of visitors and help local businesses recover. how can we support those affected by the closure tho? maybe we could donate or volunteer our time? 
it was so much fun exploring big sur with my parents and siblings... they would always make us stop at this one spot where you can see this stunning waterfall and just chill by the ocean for hours... now that it's reopened, i'm low-key hoping to take my own family there soon 
So stoked they were able to get the highway reopened! I mean, it's been closed for ages and people are finally gonna be able to enjoy that stunning coastline. The fact that it took 82 million bucks is pretty crazy, but at least the work was done safely 
Big Sur is def one of the most gorgeous spots in Cali - can't wait to see all those tourists and locals alike enjoying it again 
. The $82.6 million repair project must have been a huge undertaking, especially considering the challenges they faced along the way 
. Bring on the visitors and let them enjoy those breathtaking views of Big Sur coast 
. The scenic views are just incredible, and I'm sure everyone's excited to be able to drive along that stunning coastline again 
I mean, can you even imagine not being able to drive down Big Sur and take those iconic pics? 
it's no wonder they had to get creative with the repairs 
using steel reinforcements up to 60ft long was genius 
anyhoo, welcome back Highway 1! we're all good now 
i know how frustrating it must be for locals who rely on tourism, but at least they got their road back now 