California's iconic Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast is a marvel of engineering and natural beauty. However, its breathtaking views come at a steep price. The 71-mile stretch between Carmel and San Simeon has been plagued by closures due to landslides and washouts since its opening in 1937. The latest closure, caused by a landslide in February 2024, is expected to keep the highway partially shut until 2025.
The Geological Challenge
The root of the problem lies in the region's complex geology. According to Gary Griggs, a professor of Earth sciences at UC Santa Cruz, the area is geologically active due to the collision of tectonic plates. The San Andreas Fault, which runs along California's coast, takes a sharp bend near Big Sur, creating a zone of intense pressure and fractured rock.
This geological instability, combined with steep coastal cliffs and a mix of rock types, makes the area prone to landslides. The highway's construction in the 1930s further destabilized the terrain, setting the stage for ongoing challenges.
Climate Change Exacerbates the Problem
In recent years, climate change has intensified the threats to Highway 1. Wildfires have stripped vegetation from hillsides, leaving soil exposed. When powerful winter storms hit, the bare earth turns to mud, increasing the likelihood of landslides. Rising sea levels and stronger waves also contribute to coastal erosion, further undermining the highway's stability.
The Cost of Maintenance
Maintaining Highway 1 is an expensive endeavor. The 2017 Mud Creek landslide alone cost $54 million to clean up and repair. With climate change expected to increase the frequency and severity of such events, the cost of keeping the highway open is likely to rise.
Potential Solutions
Despite the challenges, completely abandoning Highway 1 seems unlikely due to its economic and cultural importance. Some proposed solutions include:
Building a tunnel: While this would protect the road from landslides, it would be prohibitively expensive and eliminate the scenic views that draw visitors.
Moving the road inland: This option already exists in the form of Highway 101 through the Salinas Valley.
Implementing an entrance fee: Professor Griggs suggests charging visitors to help offset repair costs.
A New Perspective
Perhaps the most realistic approach is to adjust our expectations. The residents of Big Sur have long adapted to the highway's unpredictable nature, stocking up on essentials in preparation for potential closures.
As climate change continues to reshape our world, we may need to view Highway 1 not as a permanent fixture, but as a temporary route that offers fleeting access to one of California's most stunning landscapes. The question then becomes not whether California should give up on Highway 1, but how we can best manage and appreciate this ever-changing wonder of nature and engineering.