BIG SUR, Calif. (KRON) – A massive section of Highway 1 collapsed and washed away into the ocean Friday when the cliffside below gave way amid torrential rains and wind brought on by the Atmospheric River.
Caltrans crews responded to a segment of road that collapsed near Mile Marker 30 near Big Creek Bridge and closed the highway indefinitely.
Dramatic photos show a huge piece of the road missing, with both the north and southbound lanes washed away.
In an update Friday afternoon, Caltrans District 5 said crews were on site securing the area and assessing damage, as well as starting clean-up and repairs.
The Big Sur coastline is prone to mudslides.
The last time a significant portion of Highway 1 was damaged was back in 2017 when the steep slopes at Mud Creek suffered a catastrophic collapse, wiping out the highway for more than a year.
Photos provided by Caltrans.
Caltrans says it’s unclear when the road will be reopened.