MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. – Thousands of drivers found themselves trapped along Highway 1 in Big Sur over the weekend as a portion of the highway buckled, leaving nearly 2,000 people stranded. The incident occurred following severe storms in the area, exacerbating the already precarious condition of the road.

Section Collapse and Stranded Drivers

Enrique Uribe, one of the affected drivers, shared his unexpected experience of being stuck on the highway after attempting to navigate through the area following a job in Big Sur. The collapse, which occurred just a half mile from the renowned Bixby Bridge, took drivers by surprise, with many receiving notifications of the closure only upon reaching the affected section.

Impact on the Area and Community Response

Nick Pasculli, the communications director for Monterey County, emphasized the safety concerns, urging visitors to avoid the area until it is deemed safe. With state parks in the vicinity closed and refunds issued to campers, the incident dealt a significant blow to Big Sur, still reeling from last year’s landslides and road closures.

Residents’ Plight and Temporary Measures

Residents, like Martin Hubbs, expressed the hardships faced by the community, particularly for business owners. With access limited to residents and essential workers, concerns loom over potential exacerbation of conditions due to inclement weather. Caltrans has initiated a temporary fix plan, which includes expanding the shoulder and placing concrete barriers along the centerline of the roadway, but the timeline for a permanent solution remains uncertain.

Indefinite Convoys and Future Outlook

Despite efforts to mitigate the situation, drivers like Rolando Uribe voiced their desire to return to normalcy, highlighting the inconvenience caused by the ongoing restrictions. Caltrans indicated that the twice-daily convoys will continue indefinitely, barring adverse weather or changes in site conditions, leaving drivers to contend with prolonged disruptions until a lasting solution is implemented.

Weather and Road Safety Concerns Persist

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the highway collapse, concerns persist regarding the safety of the roadway and the impact of future weather events. With uncertainties surrounding the timeline for repairs, residents and travelers alike remain vigilant, navigating through the challenges posed by the compromised section of Highway 1.

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