Rock Slide on Pacific Coast Highway

[MilesandSmiles]

I just checked the CA DOT and found this notice about Rt 1

IS CLOSED FROM 2 MI SOUTH OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO/MONTEREY CO LINE
/AT THE RAGGED POINT INN/ TO BIG SUR (MONTEREY CO) - DUE TO A ROCK SLIDE
- MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE

Of course, our itinerary puts us driving that very stretch of road (south bound) on December 30 en route to Morro Bay.

Does anyone have a sense of whether CA is likely to have this cleared by the end of the month? I know that there is a lot of storm damage that needs to be handled. But I'm trying to figure out whether I should start working on an alternate itinerary now, or just keep watch.

-Jeff

[MilesandSmiles]

This is clearly going to be one of those "go with the flow" vacations. We just learned that the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground has been flooded and will be closed until the end of the month. So, now scrambling for another reservation. But this, too, will work out and we will have a fantastic time!

[JT]

If the rock slide is "small" and there's no damage to the road, I agree that it will likely be cleared very soon. However, it's always advisable to have an alternate route plan, particularly during the winter; washouts and closures at several points along 1, usually between Big Sur down to around Ragged Point, are pretty common during periods of heavy rains.

If you're going to Morro Bay and can't (for whatever reason) take Hwy.1, just head down 101 to Hwy. 46 west; this road comes in just south of Cambria, and from there, it's a straight shot down Hwy. 1 through Cayucos to Morro Bay. Or, take Hwy. 41 west from Atascadero; that road takes you right into the north end of Morro Bay.

[guidry]

They usually have roads cleared within a couple of days.

[dave17352]

Not a educated guess, but I bet they will if it is a rock slide. Probably little if any road damage.