UPDATED: North and south convoys begin at Highway 1 closure in Big Sur.

UPDATE (as of noon on March 31, 2023 )

Caltrans announced on Sunday morning, March 31, that engineers have assessed the slip-out on Highway 1 north of Rocky Creek Bridge and determined that the northbound lane is stable enough to allow for convoys to pass through in one direction at a time under close supervision. 

Per the announcement, "A convoy will be initiated at 12pm today to allow for vehicle passage through the closure. At noon today, the convoy will lead vehicles first in the northbound direction. After vehicles clear in that direction, a convoy will lead vehicles through in the southbound direction.

"A second convoy operation will be scheduled at 4pm today, again with travel first in the northbound direction.

"On Monday April 1, and for the next several days, a convoy will lead vehicles through the slip out area at 8am and again at 4pm."

This comes after Caltrans announced just before 6pm yesterday, March 30, that Highway 1 is closed just north of Palo Colorado Road due to a slip-out near Rocky Creek.

Per Caltrans, the southbound lane has "been lost" and the northbound lane is "potentially impacted."

Caltrans crews assessed the damage Saturday evening and Sunday morning. 

With the exception of the limited openings for convoys, the highway is now closed from just north of Palo Colorado at post-mile 65 to Limekiln at post-mile 20.95. 

Officials are asking people who do not have an essential reason to access the reason to stay off the road in the area to allow easier access for emergency personnel and first responders. 

Only people with proof of residency in the closure area will be permitted to join the convoys with a Caltrans and/or California Highway Patrol escort.