Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
District: 05 - Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Ashton Harris or Kevin Drabinski
Phone: (805) 549-3237 or (805) 549-3138
Caltrans Lowers Speed Limit on 5.1-Mile Segment of
Highway 1 Along the Big Sur Coast
MONTEREY COUNTY — Caltrans reduced the speed limit along a 5.1-mile segment of Highway 1 on the Big Sur Coast, following a recent engineering and traffic survey.
The affected section begins south of Coast Road and extends to north of the Garrapata Creek Bridge, a scenic and heavily traveled portion of Highway 1.
Based on survey findings of the two-lane rural highway, the speed limit will be reduced from the statutory maximum speed of 55 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour in both directions. This change aims to encourage the safe and orderly flow of traffic.
As of this week, all speed limit signs have been updated, and enforcement is effective immediately.
The engineering and traffic survey evaluated the existing speed limits, collision history, and roadway conditions that drivers may not always notice. These conditions include the presence of pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road, the configuration of horizontal curves, direct driveway access, vehicles parked in pullouts, and pedestrian crossings.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP), Monterey Area, expressed its full support for Caltrans' recommendations to lower the speed limits on this segment of Highway 1. Erica Elias, Monterey Area CHP Captain, noted, "By implementing the recommended lower speed limits, we can effectively promote the orderly movement of traffic while creating a safer environment for all users of Highway 1. Slower speeds will afford motorists greater reaction time in navigating the roadway, reducing the likelihood of collision and enhancing overall road safety."
Caltrans utilizes multiple resources to determine speed limits on state highways, including the California Vehicle Code, the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, engineering evaluations, and engineering judgement. Speed zoning decisions also align with the Safe System Approach outlined in Caltrans Director's Policy 36 (DP-36).
Director's Policy 36 demonstrates a department-wide commitment to prioritizing safety and achieving zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. Establishing safe and appropriate speed limits is a key component of this approach and supports the goals of the Caltrans Strategic Plan.
Additional Resources
- California Office of Traffic Safety – Safe System Approach: https://www.ots.ca.gov/the-safe-system/
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Safe System Approach: https://www.transportation.gov/NRSS/SafeSystem
Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans Central Coast District 5 Social Media Platforms: X at @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.
For information about transportation projects transforming communities throughout the state, visit: Build.ca.gov.
Our crews deserve to get home safely too.
Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.
CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: https://cad.chp.ca.gov/
Traveler Information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
