Public Access Restrictions to the Scotty Creek Beach Along Sonoma Mid-Coast as Caltrans Makes Environmental Improvements
Restrictions to vehicles and pedestrians from June 15 – October 15 will facilitate improvements to local creek ecosystem and California Coastal Trail
Sonoma County – In March 2023, when Caltrans shifted Highway 1 traffic at Gleason Beach onto the new alignment that veered inland, away from the rapidly eroding coastal bluffs, construction entered a different phase of the Gleason Beach Highway 1 Realignment Project. This summer and fall, Caltrans is concentrating on environmental improvements, mostly near the mouth of Scotty Creek, which will require closure or limited vehicle and pedestrian access to the beach.
The improvements, which include demolishing the culvert that crosses Scotty Creek, relocating a major waterline, and clearing the way for the initial alignment of the California Coastal Trail, will involve significant earth work, requiring Caltrans to close or restrict access to the Beach at Scotty Creek between Wednesday, June 15 – Sunday, October 15.
Restrictions fall into three stages. (See diagram below.) Residents who live on old Highway 1 will always have access to their homes.
June 15 – 27:
Pedestrian and vehicular access will be prohibited as Caltrans diverts Scotty Creek through the active construction area and replaces a major waterline along old Highway 1.
Following this summer’s construction, Scotty Creek will flow naturally to the ocean allowing fish to migrate upstream to spawn.
June 28 – August 6
Pedestrians will have access to the Beach at Scotty Creek. Most of old Highway 1 will remain closed, but some parking will become available on the old highway south of the beach. Caltrans will continue with culvert demolition and make ecological enhancements to the new creek bed.
August 7 –October 15
Pedestrian access is allowed. Parking will still be available south of the beach and on an access road north of the new bridge.
Known for its beauty and easy access, the Beach at Scotty Creek is one of the most popular beaches in the area. Caltrans appreciates the patience and cooperation of the public, ultimately allowing Caltrans to make environmental improvements to the site. When finished, the Beach at Scotty Creek will be an even better place to visit.
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