Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta today issued the following statement on Friday’s reopening of the portion of Highway 1 closed by the Rocky Creek slip-out north of Big Sur in Monterey County:
“Visit California is thrilled to celebrate that travellers can freely explore Big Sur as the summer travel season begins. Highway 1 is a major demand driver for California, inspiring millions of visitors to choose the Golden State for the ultimate road trip experience.
“California’s travel and tourism industry is grateful to Caltrans for its diligent efforts and flexibility over the past month and a half to get this critical access point open ahead of original estimates. As Caltrans crews continue to work on the closure at Paul’s Slide north of San Luis Obispo, we look forward to marking the full opening of the highway later this year.
“Previous closures have seen tourism businesses face severe revenue reductions and a loss of workforce that can’t be recovered, but community has proven its resiliency time and again. Visitors exploring Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties along Highway 1 and the more inland Highway 101 corridor this summer will certainly help.
“Visit California remains committed to highlighting the treasure of Highway 1 to the world and working to provide clear information to coastal visitors and road trippers visiting the state.”
BACKGROUND:
- The Rocky Creek slip-out closure just north of Big Sur in Monterey County will reopen to traffic in both directions starting 17 May. A temporary traffic signal will provide unrestricted public access with one-way alternating traffic.
- Caltrans crews continue to work on a closure at Paul’s Slide about 22 miles north of the San Luis Obispo County line and a full opening of the highway is envisioned in autumn.
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