Highway 1 Through Big Sur Reopens Early After Regent’s Slide Repairs
Photo Credit: California Governor’s Office
BIG SUR, Calif., January 15, 2026 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the early reopening of a section of Highway 1 through Big Sur following the completion of repairs at Regent’s Slide, restoring full travel access along the coastal corridor nearly 90 days ahead of schedule.
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The reopened stretch, connecting Carmel and Cambria, reopened to traffic at noon on January 14 after a landslide damaged the roadway earlier in 2024. The reopening restores a critical transportation route for residents, visitors, and businesses along the Big Sur coast.
“This vital corridor is the gateway to California’s coast and the lifeblood of the Big Sur economy—and today it’s restored,” said Newsom.
According to the state, the early completion provides uninterrupted access along the Big Sur coastline for the first time in nearly three years, following overlapping closures caused by Regent’s Slide in February 2024 and Paul’s Slide farther south. In the days leading up to reopening, Caltrans crews removed approximately 6,000 cubic yards of mud and debris from the site.
“This reopening is the result of extraordinary teamwork and a shared commitment, led by Governor Newsom, to safely restore Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide. Delivering this complex project ahead of schedule while protecting workers’ safety on one of the state’s most challenging slopes is a testament to the skill and dedication of everyone involved. We are thankful for the patience of the community and businesses as we tackled this major reopening effort,” said Toks Omishakin, California Transportation Secretary.
Caltrans oversaw the repairs, which required advanced engineering techniques to address ongoing geologic risks along the steep coastal terrain. The work included remotely operated heavy equipment, steel slope reinforcements drilled up to 60 feet deep, and real-time monitoring systems. State officials noted that the Big Sur coastline is among the most landslide-prone areas in the western United States.
“There are few, if any, more iconic routes not just in California but anywhere in the world. Restoring access for residents and tourists boosts regional economies and reinvigorates the pride and cultural identity associated with one of the most scenic and picturesque roadways on the planet,” said Dina El-Tawansy, Director of Caltrans.
State legislators representing the region also welcomed the reopening, citing the economic and logistical impact of the prolonged closure on local communities.
Officials caution that winter storms may still cause temporary closures or delays along Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide and other locations as seasonal weather continues.
For information on transportation projects across California, visit www.build.ca.gov.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
