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Highway 1 Set to Reopen Through Big Sur on Wednesday After Three-Year Slide Closure, Local Chamber Says

Caltrans reports stabilization at Regent’s Slide is complete with final slope checks underway ahead of an official decision.

Overview

  • Big Sur Chamber of Commerce President Kirk Gafill says the roadway will reopen to all traffic Wednesday at noon, restoring through-traffic between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
  • Caltrans previously targeted late March for reopening but told reporters the shoring and stabilization at Regent’s Slide are finished and an earlier timeline is under review.
  • Inspectors are assessing the slope in the coming days, and a formal agency announcement remains pending.
  • The corridor has been shut by two major slides: Paul’s Slide closed the highway from Jan. 14, 2023, to June 23, 2024, and Regent’s Slide has blocked through-traffic since Feb. 9, 2024.
  • Local businesses report steep losses with traffic down roughly 30%, and officials have alerted State Parks and merchants to prepare for a surge of visitors once the route reopens.