A large portion of California’s Highway 1, which stretches most of the Pacific coastline, was washed away this week after a winter storm.
The Fifth District of California (Caltrans), a message, tweeted a message Friday warning drivers about the closure of the highway due to a partial washout of the road.
Big Sur Update: # Hwy1 will remain CLOSED to traffic until further notice due to partial flushing of the road tonight at Mile Marker 30 near Big Creek Br. Our crew / contractor will start at daybreak with damage assessment, cleanup and repairs @bigsurkate @BigSurCChttps://t.co/CvzL0KLtPp
– Caltrans District 5 (@ CaltransD5) 29 January 2021
The stretch of highway, located 15 miles south of Big Sur at Rat Creek, was destroyed due to heavy rainfall.
Caltrans officials told CNN’s rubble from above the road: “overwhelming drainage infrastructure, flowed over the highway and eroded the road, completely losing the Highway 1 segment.”
Drones shared by Caltrans District 5 showed the extent of the damage.
Watch this amazing drone video from # Hwy1 washout at Rat Creek about 15 miles south of # GrootSur. Our crew is on site to secure it, to evaluate damage and to clean up / repair. Reminder: the road is OPEN from #Carmel by the city of Big Sur. @bigsurkate @BigSurCC @CHP_Coastal pic.twitter.com/rB193DzXhL
– Caltrans District 5 (@ CaltransD5) 29 January 2021
Toks Omishakin, director of the California Department of Transportation, noted that it could take weeks before the section of highway is repaired.