A massive chunk of Highway 1 collapsed in California after a winter storm that pounded the region with heavy rain and snow.
According to a statement released on Friday by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) the roadway’s drainage infrastructure was overwhelmed by a debris flow on the hillside above the segment of Highway 1 at Rat Creek, just south of Big Sur.
The debris flow was first discovered on Thursday afternoon by Caltrans crews. A construction company from nearby San Luis Obisbo County was called, but by Friday morning it was too late. The crews arrived at the scene to discover that the roadway had fallen into the sea below.
Piece of California’s Highway 1 Near Big Sur Collapses
A large chunk of California’s Highway 1 near Big Sur collapsed and fell into the Pacific Ocean after a winter storm triggered a mudslide, officials said.
A California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Fifth District message warned drivers of the closure on Jan. 29 from a “partial washout.” The washout occurred near Rat Creek about 15 miles south of Big Sur, according to Caltrans, which added that Highway 1 remains open from Carmel to the town of Big Sur.
Photos posted from the scene showed a significant piece of the hillside and road missing. Due to the size of the missing chunk, it appears that the section of Highway 1 will remain impassible for a considerable amount of time.
Visitors are advised to check restrictions and conditions before traveling to recreation areas
Most campgrounds at Channel Islands National Park reopened Friday. (Tim Hauf / Channel Islands National Park photo via Twitter) By Brooke Holland, Noozhawk Staff Writer | @BT Holland
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Several campgrounds have reopened in California after state officials lifted the regional coronavirus-related stay-at-home orders, and officials have urged visitors to check restrictions and conditions before traveling.
Los Padres National Forest officials said closure of the 2020 Dolan Fire burn scar in the Monterey Ranger District was revised to reopen many popular roads and trails while keeping the 124,924-acre fire perimeter closed to the public. The order went into effect in August, according to Andrew Madsen, public affairs officer for Los Padres National Forest.
Heavy rainfall and high winds from recent winter storms brought destruction to Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties.
–On Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation for the counties of Monterey and San Luis Obispo due to winter storms this week that have threatened to cause mud and debris flows, forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and damaged critical infrastructure, including washing out a portion of Highway 1.
The emergency proclamation directs Caltrans to formally request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program and the Office of Emergency Services to provide assistance to local governments.