Big Sur residents talk isolation as hard closure announced near Highway 1 slip-out
BIG SUR, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Wednesday was the last day for people in Big Sur to travel in and out of a closure near the scene of a slip-out along Highway 1 and Rocky Creek.
Roads were quiet, plus businesses and parks emptied for the popular tourist destination that on Thursday will be isolated from the rest of Monterey County.
"I'm down here to just check on the house and clean up the mess I left," said David Addleman, who is making one last stop at his home in Big Sur before the road is closed off to all traffic over weather-related concerns. "I'm going back to Monterey because it's complicated staying down here."
KION also caught up with Mario Buch. He said he's still working but choosing to stay in Big Sur for the time being.
"I've been waking up earlier and taking the drive down South because right now there's just nobody on the road," said Buch, who is looking at both the good and bad coming from the closure lasting two days. "You can't get basic needs or go to the bank or get groceries or medicine."
The Health Center in Big Sur is addressing those needs, saying they're going to remain open as usual and they're equipped with three months worth of supplies.
"If this closure becomes more serious and we end up an island for a while, we'll certainly make sure to take care of the community," said Health Center nurse, Danielle Glazer.
The Deetjen's Inn is offering those who choose to stay with resources to keep essential workers and people in the area comfortable.
"We live in a prepared state," said General Manager Matt Glazer. "As soon as we knew we called for propane. We have all of our cleaning supplies and all of our necessary infrastructure supplies."
CHP-Monterey said they've been averaging around 300 cars driving in and out of the Big Sur area while the convoy program was in place.
Caltrans announcing convoys will be paused for at least two days because of weather concerns.
As for reconstruction of the Highway, Caltrans announced at a media briefing Wednesday afternoon a blueprint to get the work done could be available as early as Friday.
