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Rockslide on California central coast shuts down Highway 1

October 27, 2021 GMT

In this photo provided by Caltrans, is a rockslide on the central coast that forced closure of a long stretch of Highway 1 near Big Sur, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021. The closure extended from Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County to Fullers Point in Monterey County, Caltrans spokesperson Jim Shivers said in a social media post. There was no estimate for when the road would be reopened. (Caltrans via AP)

BIG SUR, Calif. (AP) — A rockslide on the rugged central California coast forced closure of a long stretch of Highway 1 on Wednesday, state highway authorities said.

The closure extended from north of the Ragged Point Inn in San Luis Obispo County up to Gorda in Monterey County, Caltrans spokesperson Jim Shivers said in a social media post.

A photo showed large boulders covering much of the roadway.

“Rocks above the highway are being assessed by Caltrans with estimates of a one-week closure,” Shivers said.

Highway 1 is a major scenic route for tourists traveling between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Ragged Point Inn is about 20 miles (32.19 kilometers) north of Hearst Castle at San Simeon.

The slide came two days after a powerful storm hit California. Past storms have caused significant damage to the road clinging to steep coastal slopes.