After a three-year closure, Highway 1 to Big Sur is set to reopen at noon on January 14th. The state has cleared over 300,000 cubic yards of debris, installed dowels and mesh to stabilize the slope, and completed repairs at the Regent's Slide, which caused the closure. This marks the first time in three years that drivers can travel from Cambria to Carmel. The reopening is a significant relief for local businesses, which have faced challenges during the closure, including reduced customer counts and staff cuts. Leaders and businesses are cautiously optimistic about the impact on tourism and revenue. The road's reopening coincides with the Martin Luther King Day vacation and is expected to boost visitor numbers for the Presidents' Day holiday, spring break, and beyond. The Regent's Slide, which occurred in February 2024, was a complex and costly repair project, estimated to cost $82.6 million. The slide involved tons of rock, mud, and debris cascading onto the highway and into the sea. The mesh netting installed during the repairs proved crucial in preventing further damage. The reopening is a turning point for the local economy, with businesses hoping for increased visitation and a boost in occupancy. However, the road's future remains dependent on weather conditions, as significant rain could trigger further landslides.
