Should California abandon Highway 1?

California’s Pacific Coast Highway is one of the world’s most iconic drives. But parts of it collapse into the ocean almost every year. Why does this road keep failing? And is there a solution?

*FEATURING:*
Gary Griggs, Distinguished Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, UC Santa Cruz

*READ MORE:*

*CITATIONS:*

#pacificcoasthighway #highway1 #geology
@ucsantacruz

*CHAPTERS:*
00:00 Highway 1 keeps collapsing
00:32 Highway 1's history
01:14 The section most prone to collapse
01:55 Why is Big Sur so unstable?
02:48 Why is the highway becoming more precarious?
03:50 What can we do to stop this?

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Fig. 1 explores big ideas —from science to culture to history to psychology — and the brilliant minds behind it.

[m.hartyfool]

This highway is one of the most beloved treasures in California.

[JC]

One of my fondest memories is taking my dog for a road trip down highway 1 during the pandemic. Nobody around me, I could go as slow as I want and stop whenever I want

[YELLOWVETTE]

We should absolutly not abandon the most beautiful road in the state. Coastal erosion is enevitable. But the highway can be repaired. It can be fortified. I say save it.

[artiebucco]

I drove up PCH aimlessly after seeing Mazzy Star play one night in Ventura. I had In N Out before driving a couple hours, alone. It was spiritual.

[myownboss]

“Castles made of sand…. Slip into the sea… Eventually…”‼️ - Jimi

[dannybuilding]

Did this road trip after my wife gave birth to our son and help her postpartum. So beautiful, we stayed in ragged point inn

[jasonhanson]

It’s also where a bunch of people live, so not really an option to abandon whole towns.

[DTDan-br]

It is too close to the shore! Side roads to scenic vistas are easier to maintain. You've tried to mix tourism with transportation, and all you get is very expensive distracted driving.

[frederickma]

If you've ever been down this stretch of road - Big Sur - on the Southbound coast side in a RV you'd know why it collapses. In Fall and Winter this area gets heavy rainfall. And this road is not an Interstate.

[ksuen]

It’s not only PCH, but the train tracks as well. I remember being on Amtrak one day where the whole car jolted (left/right) after Oceanside/near San Diego. That part of the track was closed for repairs shortly after because the land was shifting.

[glike]

Make the most expensive to maintain sections TOLL ROAD. Californian's have enough taxes and don't need to subsidize tourism and the rich Big Sur locals, but they could get a yearly pass to make it fair

[djkim]

Can we try forestation method employed by some Asian countries. Plant trees with large roots that can hold the earth together. I think it's better use of the $$$ than keep pouring concrete in building reinforcement.

[davidgrisez]

California Highway 1 between Morro Bay on the South and Carmel on the North is the most scenic coastal highway in the entire state of California. There are incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and Coastal Mountains. Over time State Parks and small communities have developed along California Coastal Highway 1. Because of the State Parks and the small tourist communities, it is necessary to keep this highway and maintain this highway. So there is no easy, simple solution to all the landslides that occur because of the geology of this area. Because of the high cost to maintain this highway it should be made into a toll road, with fees charged to tourists and visitors to keep the highway maintained.

[suemiller]

Drove this in 1975 on a road trip from Alberta, Big Sur is so beautiful and the coastal highway is stunning. Glad I was able to see it.

[Noremfor]

As a San Franciscan, Highway 1 is my gateway to Monterey Bay. I've always enjoyed the oceanside views from it, and it made me excited for whenever I was visiting Santa Cruz, Capitola, or even Monterey itself.

The northern section of Hwy 1 is pretty flat in comparison to Big Sur, or its more southern sections though, so it isnt experiencing quite the same issues there.

[DiamondDepthYT]

Went to Big Sur for a day, and left a bit early as it started to rain. Shortly after we left, one of those road shutdowns of this year happened. Dodged a bullet.

[TheIcecoldorange]

Parts of it near Lucia has been closed for over a year. I kept checking for months last year in 2023. No one has been able to completely drive on the central parts of highway 1 for years now.

[snaxs]

That's why its so beautiful. Mother nature is always shaping that coastline. We have no choice but to adapt if we want that road. The cost is worth it. ❤

[kenzi.h]

I had the chance to drive from SF to LA in 2012 through this road and each turn opens to a sensational view!

[paulc]

Some of the most magical drives I have taken have been on the 1. When its twilight hours and that mist catches the light.

Absolutely amazing.