Big Sur’s Highway 1, a scenic route closed since late March due to a significant rockfall, is set to reopen this Friday, ahead of the previously announced Memorial Day schedule.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Tuesday that barring unforeseen circumstances the highway will open at 6:30 a.m. Friday.

The highway’s closure has isolated Big Sur from the rest of California with limited access for residents and essential workers.

The reopening, following extensive repairs, will restore access to several popular tourist destinations along the route.

“Caltrans is working overtime,” Newsom said. “Subject to an act of God, extreme winds, unlikely rain … we’ll be able to achieve that: 6:30 [a.m.] this Friday, Highway 1 will be reopened.”

Reasons for the Closure

The closure resulted from torrential rains in March that caused a section of the southbound lane near the Rocky Creek Bridge to collapse. The reopening will involve using the undamaged northbound lane, with traffic signals to alternate vehicles traveling in both directions.

The closure had caused significant anxiety among residents and business owners, who had to rely on twice-daily convoys for access, which were occasionally canceled due to weather conditions. The local chamber of commerce had urged for expedited repairs to prevent further losses during one of Big Sur’s peak tourism seasons.

Related Story: National Steak Chain Reopens in Fresno After $700,000 Upgrade

Ongoing Repairs

The reopening of Highway 1 is a significant step, but repairs are still ongoing on another stretch of the roadway that has been closed since January 2023 due to landslides. Officials hope to reopen this section later this summer.

Read more at AOL News.