BIG SUR – Caltrans says another full overnight closure of Highway 1 will allow crews to complete the final phases of the Rocky Creek Seawall Project, which remains on schedule to be finished by Monday.
Beginning Sunday at 10 p.m., the highway will be closed to through traffic in both directions at the Rocky Creek Bridge, about 12 miles south of Carmel, and will completely reopen Monday at 6 a.m.
“The final phase of the seawall project entails dismantling the scaffolding and using a crane to lift that material and one mini-excavator back up to the roadway,” said Caltrans District 5 spokesperson Celeste Morales. “The project is currently in its demobilization stage.”
During the closure, construction crews will finalize project demobilization and complete finishing work at the site. Heavy equipment will be staged across both lanes, and no through traffic will be permitted during work hours. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and avoid the area during this temporary closure.
Caltrans said that this milestone marks the peak of extensive work to strengthen the seawall and enhance long-term stability along this critical section of Highway 1.
Caltrans conducted emergency repairs to Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge — post mile 60 — where a slip out occurred on March 20, 2024. The repairs included the construction of viaducts under both lanes of the roadway and reconstruction of the seawall below.
The Rocky Creek slip out resulted in a loss of a section of the southbound lane, which crashed onto the seawall below and disrupted the flow of traffic to Big Sur for a time. Caltrans later established one-way, 24-7, signalized traffic control to allow for travelers to access activities and businesses in Big Sur.
“The first phase of the emergency response focused on temporary stabilization of the roadway,” said Morales. “This work was completed in 51 days and included installation of 45 vertical and 75 horizontal rock anchors.”
Caltrans first repaired the southbound lane by drilling and casting reinforced concrete columns and installing girders as part of the construction of a viaduct to support the roadway.
“The permanent repair of the slip-out consisted of a 206-foot-long triple-span viaduct structure, constructed under a separate contract by Gordon N. Ball Construction,” said Morales.
Concrete was then poured for the bridge deck and soon after, the lane was reopened to travel on March 8. The northbound lane was repaired in the same fashion and opened to through traffic on June 30.
“This work began in August 2024 and was completed in July 2025, ahead of schedule and under budget,” said Morales.
Focus was then turned to the emergency seawall repair project aimed at reinforcing the seawall that protects the south end of the Rocky Creek Bridge and the slope beneath the recently constructed viaduct, according to Caltrans.
“The first phase of seawall construction occurred in October and November 2024, during which several full overnight closures were required to place approximately 500 cubic yards of concrete, forming the foundation for the scaffolding,” said Morales. “The second phase involved the development of the scaffolding system, the design of a concrete delivery system, and logistical planning for crane and helicopter operations to transport workers and materials to the site.”
The third phase, completed last month, consisted of installing 250 tons of epoxy-coated reinforcing steel and placing 4,500 cubic yards of concrete over the course of 30 individual pours, according to Caltrans. This work added 8 to 18 feet of additional height to the seawall, strengthening protection for the southern abutment of the Rocky Creek Bridge against future winter storms.
“All emergency repairs at the Rocky Creek slip-out location have been completed,” said Morales. “The Rocky Creek Seawall Project is a separate initiative, which remains on schedule for completion by (Monday), weather and site conditions permitting.”
The repairs will enhance the seawall’s resilience against wave action and prevent further erosion, ensuring the long-term stability of the coastal route.
Though Highway 1 to Big Sur is open, the coastal highway remains closed 40 miles south of Carmel due to the Regent’s Slide — post mile 27.8 — which occurred March 9, 2024, and where top-down removal of slide material by crews began on April 30, 2024. Caltrans recently reported the new estimated completion date for the Regent’s Slide is March 2026.
Travelers to the Big Sur coast from southern California will also encounter the closure of the coast highway at Regent’s Slide. The vast majority of the Big Sur coast remains accessible and open with about 6 miles of closure between the north and south ends of Highway 1 to accommodate work on Regent’s Slide.
Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.