Part of Highway 1 to reopen early near Big Sur. Here’s when

Stephanie Zappelli
·2 min read
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A long-closed section of Highway 1 will reopen at the end of this week, bringing visitors one step closer to being able to fully traverse the scenic Big Sur coastal route.

About 22 miles north of the Monterey County line — just above Limekiln State Park — a mudslide dumped about 500,000 cubic yards of debris onto the highway in January 2023. That portion of the road has been closed for construction ever since.

Caltrans will re-open that 4.3-mile stretch of Highway 1 on Sunday after completing construction, the agency said in a news release.

“The challenge at Paul’s Slide has always been to repair Highway 1 while movement continues within the slide location,” Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said in the release. “The completion of repairs and the reopening of a 4.3-mile section of this scenic byway will begin to restore some normalcy for business owners and residents in the area. We thank the local community for their patience and support.”

The new road at Paul’s Slide on Highway 1 will be higher than the original road, which allows construction crews to install better drainage systems under that half-mile section of the road.
The new road at Paul’s Slide on Highway 1 will be higher than the original road, which allows construction crews to install better drainage systems under that half-mile section of the road.

During the past year and a half, construction crews removed enough debris to fill 150 Olympic-sized swimming pools and cut a path into the mountain for the new road.

Arroyo Grande-based company Papich Construction completed the $60 million project, Caltrans said.

When the Paul’s Slide portion of the highway reopens, travelers will be able to drive north until post mile 25.3, just south of the Vicente Creek Bridge.

“The turnaround location offers travelers both a clear line of sight on approach and ample space for large vehicles to maneuver in and turn around,” the release said.

Meanwhile, travelers will be able to drive south on Highway 1 until Lime Creek at post mile 32.1 where the Reagent Slide is located, Caltrans said.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the numerous stakeholders who contributed to the reopening of Paul’s Slide in Big Sur,” State Senator John Laird said in a separate news release. “This milestone will undoubtedly benefit small businesses, residents and tourists alike, revitalizing local commerce and improving access to the area’s natural beauty.”

Construction crews will remain on site for several weeks “to remove additional slide material, complete drainage installation and implement erosion control measures,” the Caltrans release said. “Travelers will encounter intermittent traffic control with only minimal delays during this work.”

Caltrans hired Papich Construction Co. to rebuild Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide about 22 miles north of the Monterey County line, seen here on May 17, 2024. Construction should be completed sometime during the summer.
Caltrans hired Papich Construction Co. to rebuild Highway 1 at Paul’s Slide about 22 miles north of the Monterey County line, seen here on May 17, 2024. Construction should be completed sometime during the summer.

Highway 1 remains closed at Reagent Slide

Paul’s Slide wasn’t the only slide that prevented travelers from enjoying the full drive up and down the coast.

Highway 1 will remain closed near the Reagent Slide, which occurred Feb. 9 about 28 miles north of the Monterey-San Luis Obispo county line.

That 6.8 segment of the highway should reopen in the fall, Caltrans said.