![]() ![]() The department is exploring locations of the installation of a temporary bridge. ![]() Once boulders and rockslides to the south are cleared, staff will be able to leave, and visitors will once again be able to access the heart of Big Sur from the direction of Los Angeles.īut most of of Big Sur’s traffic typically comes from the north.Ģ0ft sinkhole swallows car in LA amid California ‘weather bomb’ Guardianĭavid Galarza, an engineer and structures representative with the California department of transportation, said removing and replacing the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge could take 10 months to a year. The financial impact of an impassable highway in the north could be catastrophic. But those south of the broken bridge and north of major rockslides may not be able to leave for weeks. Hundreds of tourists are stranded in motels without power and with no road access, but when the road is clear of debris, they will be able to continue their journeys. Wheeler said the helicopter evacuation would probably take place next week. But the situation is worsening, with no gas or electricity as Esalen is cut off from the rest of the world. But with no new food or fuel, they soon will be reduced to rice, beans and kale, said Gordon Wheeler, Esalen’s president and CEO. They dine on ratatouille, Thai curry soup, rice, quinoa and vegetables from their bountiful garden. Life for those awaiting evacuation is still is good. Guests at nearby hotels in the heart of Big Sur, 150 miles south of San Francisco, fled in cars and on foot before the bridge was permanently closed.Īt Esalen, 120 students and staff initially chose to stay behind, but a little over half of those are now planning to leave. Authorities acted quickly, blocking the road north of the bridge. Last week, a homeless man living under Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge reported a mudslide and multiple fractures in one of the bridge’s columns. Many of the housekeepers, waitstaff and others in the lowest rung of the vacation economy are out of work. The financial losses for county and state government could be significant. These are trying times in paradise for businesses, residents and workers in the tourism industry. Since the beginning of California’s rainy season, Big Sur has had 60.25in of rain, “making it historically the wettest season to date”, said Duane Dykema, National Weather Service meteorologist. When rocks stop falling, state workers can begin cleanup of the coastal highway – but authorities said many miles of this major highway could be closed for up to a year while the damaged bridge is restored or replaced. ![]()
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