“The repairs for Highway 1 at Rat Creek include improvements that can prevent similar damage from future debris flows,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins in a press release. “We look forward to swiftly making these repairs so that all travelers will have a safe and resilient stretch of highway.”
After assessing the damage, removing debris and making minor repairs, the roadway will be reconnected at Rat Creek with an enhanced fill option. Caltrans will fill the canyon with dirt in a large v-shape and construct a new road on top of the fill.
The repairs will cost an estimated $11.5 million, including $5 million in ongoing emergency repairs north of Rat Creek. The contractor for the project is Papich Construction of Arroyo Grande.