8legs: Grace toohey

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California's iconic Highway 1 is fighting a losing battle against climate change. Can it survive?

Highway 1 through Big Sur fully reopened after a three-year closure caused by landslides and rockfalls in January 2026.
Scientists warn climate change is making extreme events more common, threatening future closures on the highway.
Experts say more innovative solutions, including market-based risk pricing and nature-based defenses, are needed.
Caltrans has spent hundreds of millions since 2023 on major repairs and stabilization along the corridor.
Residents emphasize keeping Highway 1 open remains a top priority for Big Sur communities.
Experts note the coast’s geology makes Big Sur especially vulnerable to erosion and debris flows.
A potential shift to tolls or restructuring could help fund ongoing maintenance and resilience.
The highway is a National Scenic Byway, valued for tourism despite recurring damage risks.
Local leaders favor proactive resilience planning over reactive repairs.
The road’s future hinges on engineering, politics, and financial will amid climate pressures.
Big Sur communities seek fundraising to bolster disaster preparedness.

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