Hundreds of motorists were left stranded in the coastal community of Big Sur, California, after a massive chunk of Highway 1 collapsed into the ocean over the weekend due to heavy rains. The incident occurred near Rocky Creek Bridge, approximately 17 miles south of Monterey.

As a result of the collapse, traffic on the iconic highway came to a standstill for miles in both directions. Approximately 1,600 people were trapped in Big Sur, awaiting the reopening of a single lane that took place on Sunday. CalTrans, the California Department of Transportation, arranged convoys of vehicles to navigate the damaged stretch.

To ensure the safety of motorists, observers were deployed to monitor the condition of the roadway as the convoys passed through. Although the convoys offered some relief to the stranded individuals, several employees from local businesses, such as Nepenthe restaurant, had to spend the night with friends or family in the town.

The Big Sur Lodge extended assistance by opening its conference room to provide shelter for those unable to find accommodations elsewhere, while others opted to spend the night in their vehicles. Linda Molinari, a resident from Hollister, California, recounted the ordeal of having to sleep in her boyfriend's van after enjoying a meal in Big Sur on Saturday.

Road workers are now focused on stabilizing the edge of the roadway, but it remains uncertain when the highway will be fully reopened. Engineers from CalTrans will assess the situation and determine the necessary steps to restore the iconic route.

Highway 1 is no stranger to closures caused by natural disasters such as collapses, mudflows, and rockslides during severe weather. However, meteorologist Dalton Behringer from the National Weather Service in the Bay Area provided some relief, stating that dry conditions are expected for the next few days, with only a chance of light rain on Thursday.

Although motorists are advised to avoid the affected area, the efforts to stabilize the road signify progress toward restoring the scenic stretch of Highway 1. As the cleanup and repair operations continue, authorities are working diligently to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of all travelers along this iconic California route.