Citation

Cunliffe J. Calif. Transp. J. 2007; 3(1): 16-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, CalTrans Public Affairs Office)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes the reopening of northern California’s Highway 1 at Devil’s Slide, between Montara and Pacifica, in terms of the relevant bureaucratic, economic, and cultural impacts. The early 2006 closure was placed only 24 hours before a number of boulders fell on the road from 300 feet above. However, this area, known for its steep slope, has been closed for similar reasons eight times prior in its 69 years. The repairs were conducted under emergency powers, giving Caltrans legal right to proceed without the standard prerequisite environmental and structural analyses, as well as allowing it to circumvent standard bidding procedures. Repairs took 82 days, which still placed the work six weeks ahead of schedule. The article also speculates that the granting of emergency powers in this situation saved 3 years of time.