Caltrans Realigns State Route 1 at Gleason Beach in Sonoma County, Adapting to Sea Level Rise
Sonoma County – Caltrans announced today a major milestone in its project to realign a portion of State Route 1 Sonoma County to address rising sea levels. By 8:00 PM, traffic will have been shifted onto a newly built bridge and roadway that curves inland nearly 400 feet, evading the rapidly eroding ocean bluffs where the current highway rests. The $60.5 million Gleason Beach Realignment Project in Sonoma County includes $22 million in federal funds.
“This is the first Caltrans climate change adaptation project that addresses the effects of sea level rise and provides for coastal resiliency, corridor safety and connectivity, habitat restoration and enhancement of public access to recreational areas,” said Caltrans District Director Dina El Tawansy. “The rising ocean has accelerated the already-rapid erosion of the coastal bluffs and threatens the stability of State Route 1. Caltrans and its partners are building a project that will keep Highway 1 open while restoring the local creek and wetlands.”
While more work remains before the construction is completed, Caltrans asks that motorists stay alert to the newly aligned highway and to celebrate the completion of the project’s primary goal.
Since 2004, Caltrans had performed several emergency repairs, such as retaining walls, pavement reconstruction and even minor realignment. These efforts were temporary measures to keep the highway open until this new alignment was in place. The bluff erosion had forced the evacuation of homes, lying west of the highway, several of which were demolished to prevent debris from sliding into the ocean.
The new roadway alignment also enhances the natural environment by removing the existing at-grade road, which bisects wetlands and forces Scotty Creek into a culvert near the ocean. The new alignment includes an 850-foot bridge that spans Scotty Creek and the wetlands. After Caltrans directs traffic onto the new highway, large segments of the at-grade road will be removed, including the Scotty Creek culvert.
The free-flowing creek will once again provide spawning and habitat for endangered coho salmon and steelhead. Likewise, the road removal will revitalize the wetlands by allowing water naturally ebb and flow over its entire expanse. The new bridge will provide a separate facility for pedestrians, cyclists, and other users. The sections of the old highway not demolished for wetland and creek restoration will be kept in place to provide a critical link in the California Coastal Trail.
“The Gleason Beach Project demonstrates Caltrans’ commitment to providing a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people, respects the environment, and provides for the economic prosperity of the region,” El Tawansy said. “This project includes many innovative practices and solutions, which are a culmination of a nearly 20-year partnership with the community and numerous stakeholders.”
For more information about the Highway 1 Gleason Beach Project, visit GleasonBeachRealignment.org.
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