MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans today announced it anticipates completing the initial repair work to stabilize the edge of Highway 1 south of the Rocky Creek Bridge by Memorial Day, May 27. This would mark the end of the current convoys and allow alternating one-way traffic through the area without an escort using 24/7 signalized traffic control.
“We know how important Highway 1 is to the regional economy, especially during the summer, so we are working to reopen the roadway as quickly and safely as possible while at the same time making it more resilient to future extreme weather events.”
Since the March 30 slip-out that temporarily closed the roadway, Caltrans has conducted geotechnical assessments, widened and improved drainage in the northbound shoulder area, placed concrete barriers along the centerline to channelize convoy passage, and hired a contractor to drill, install, and grout vertical rock dowels through the southbound lane pavement adjacent to the existing west edge of the roadway.
This will be followed by a longer phase of the work in which crews will drill, install, and grout horizontal rock dowels. Once the reinforcing dowels are in place, the repair design calls for crews to install reinforced shotcrete to the vertical face of the repair to help stabilize the roadway along the cliffside. The drainage improvements will also help the roadway better withstand extreme weather events, which are becoming more common in the area due to climate change.
The construction timeline is subject to change due to a number of factors, including wind and rain. Installation of the horizontal rock dowels requires a crane to hold a basket with crewmembers in it over the edge of the roadway. Winds cannot exceed 25 mph for these activities. The repair schedule may also be impacted by rain events and any change in site conditions.
Until Caltrans stabilizes Highway 1, it will continue using twice daily convoys to move only local residents and essential workers through the area. Limiting the volume of vehicles through the repair site helps to manage risks associated with conditions at the slip out and with emergency response. Once the roadway edge is stabilized, crews will install a temporary signal and open Highway 1 to unrestricted traffic under alternating one-way traffic control. One-way traffic control will continue until further roadway work is completed and the roadway has cleared safety inspections.
Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.
For additional information on infrastructure projects statewide, visit build.ca.gov
Our crews deserve to get home safely too. Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.
