Finally! Big Sur’s Coastal Highway 1 Reopens After Nearly 3 Years
Big Sur is back in business! Months ahead of schedule, Highway 1 from Carmel to Cambria has reopened after the Regent’s Slide landslide closed this iconic coastal route. The reopening comes nearly 90 days earlier than expected, restoring full access along one of California’s most scenic drives and giving a major boost to local businesses, residents, and visitors who have been cut off for nearly three years.
Crews tackled one of the state’s trickiest slopes using high-tech solutions: remotely operated bulldozers and excavators, 4,600 steel bars drilled up to 60 feet into the hillside, spider excavators for the steepest spots, and real-time monitoring to keep workers safe. They also cleared 6,000 cubic yards of mud and debris—enough to fill 240 dump trucks—after heavy winter storms battered the coast.
While this is a major milestone, winter weather may still cause temporary closures or delays, so keep an eye out if you’re planning a scenic drive. For locals and travelers alike, the reopening of Highway 1 is a welcome return to uninterrupted access, stunning views, and the economic lifeline that keeps Big Sur thriving.
Read more at Governor Gavin Newsom
