Storm damage closes Highway 1 through Big Sur

Highway 1 through Big Sur remains closed indefinitely from Garrapata State Beach to Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge , where that bridge is at a risk of failing. CHP is allowing residents only to travel the highway.

With numerous trees down, power lines down and mudslides on the highway it’s been a hassle for those living in Big Sur. Big Sur resident Mario Bush books a hotel in Monterey whenever the weather gets bad to stay safe.

“On the windy situations I’d rather not stay, it gets dangerous,” said Bush. “I have a lot of trees after the fire that are falling all over the place.”

Living in Big Sur for 27 years Bush said this is the worst he’s seen it.

Caltrans continues to assess the condition of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge . And early on Tuesday a mudslides near Point Sur Lighthouse pushed back the closure even further.

“When the roadway is safe for us to allow, we’ve been able to allow them [residents] to travel to and from,” said CHP Officer Joe Yarace. “But with the bridge that’s very unstable in Big Sur right now it’s really isolated that portion of the community.”

Regardless of the mess this winter has left Big Sur in, it’s worth it to those who live there.

“It’s paradise, it’s beautiful,” said Bush. “There’s nothing like it.”