California's Highway 1 faces increasing threats
Big Sur's scenic Highway 1 is under constant threat from landslides and erosion, exacerbated by climate change.
Melina Mara, Scott Dance, and Brianna Sacks report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Highway 1, vital for California's tourism, suffers from geological instability and frequent landslides, with recent damages escalating repair costs.
- Efforts to stabilize the highway include rock drilling and advanced sensing technologies, though new slides often outpace repairs.
- Proposals to reroute the highway or abandon parts face resistance due to the road's cultural and economic significance.
Key quote:
“It’s as if that area went through a blender.”
— Jon Warrick, research geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey
Why this matters:
The ongoing battle to keep Highway 1 open isn’t just a matter of convenience; there are significant economic and social implications. The road closures that often follow landslides disrupt life in the area, impacting everything from emergency services and tourism to local businesses and the daily commute for residents. In addition, these disruptions pose a considerable challenge for conservation efforts and the management of natural resources, as access is critical for both managing and studying sensitive environments.
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