Caltrans announces estimated reopening timeline for Highway 1 in Big Sur.

Just in time for the next rainy season, Caltrans officials announced on Monday, Sept. 22 their anticipated reopening timeline for Regent's Slide, which occurred on Highway 1 on Feb. 9, 2024 on the south coast of Big Sur.

They hope to have the highway reopened to through-traffic by March of 2026, more than two years after the initial slide. 

Due to other slides and a slip out that have since been cleared, through-traffic between Carmel to the north and San Simeon to the south—the most scenic stretch of an iconic San Francisco-to-Los Angeles road trip—has not been possible since Jan. 15, 2023.

It's been a creeping timeline. In spring 2024, Caltrans officials announced that they anticipated reopening in fall of 2024. Now, a year later, they are projecting another six months.

The delay, according to Caltrans, is primarily due to continued earth movement and crew safety. So far, 300,000 cubic yards of material has been removed, with another 250,000 cubic yards to be removed before completion. 

“We are doing everything in our power to return this vital section of roadway to residents, businesses, and travelers who have demonstrated patience and understanding during the repair effort,” Caltrans District 5 Director Scott Eades said in a statement. “Our work is dedicated to them, and this Regent’s Slide reopening estimate allows people to plan ahead and prepare for when Highway 1 is fully reopen once again.”

Big Sur residents and business owners have been urging Caltrans to keep them apprised of a realistic reopening timeline as the date gets further and further out. In the statement issued on Sept. 22, Caltrans noted that weather could cause further delays.