Highway 1 Closures Hit Monterey and Big Sur Amid Storm Damage

Highway 1 is facing multiple closures in the Monterey area due to storm-related damage, authorities said.

In the City of Monterey, northbound Highway 1 closed south of Munras Avenue because of downed power lines and debris in the roadway on Tuesday, February 17, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Traffic was being diverted to Holman Highway. CHP stated the roadway reopened as of 2:06 p.m., Tuesday.

Elsewhere in Monterey County, a full closure of Highway 1 is in place from Ragged Point Inn in San Luis Obispo County to about one mile south of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Monterey County, Caltrans reported.

Heavy winter storms triggered rockslides and debris flows that have blocked the highway at several locations.

At 12:49 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, CHP stated Highway 1 will remain closed until the rain subsides and crews can assess the roadway. 

“UPDATE: Much of Hwy. 1 on the Big Sur coast has reopened after crews cleared debris from the roadway. A 6.8-mile segment of Hwy. 1 remains closed from 1 mile south of the Esalen Institute to 2 miles north of Lucia. Crews continue to clear mud from the roadway at Regent’s Slide,” Caltrans stated on Tuesday.

There is no estimated reopening time, and crews will reassess conditions at daylight to determine next steps for clearing the route.

Motorists should heed posted closures and check for updates from CHP Monterey and Caltrans before traveling.