Drivers urged to avoid Highway 1

If you don’t need to drive on Highway 1 through Carmel Highlands and Big Sur, don’t.

By Tuesday, more than 200 engines and 20 water tenders were being used to fight the Soberanes Fire north of Big Sur. Highway 1 is their main route to the fire.

Officials urge drivers to avoid the area if possible. Drivers who must travel on the highway should slow down and allow fire equipment to pass.

Until the fire is under control, Caltrans has suspended all scheduled roadwork on Highway 1, from Ragged Point to Carmel. Any emergency roadwork related to the fire will continue.

For more information and traffic updates in Monterey County, call the District 5 toll free number at 1-831-372-0862 or can visit the Caltrans website at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/paffairs/release.htm#mon.