Daytime One-Way Reversing Traffic Control for Limekiln Bridge Replacement Project Set to Begin Monday, Sept. 28

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
District: 05 - Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Ashton Harris
Phone: (805) 549-3318

Daytime One-Way Reversing Traffic Control for Limekiln Bridge Replacement Project Set to Begin Monday, Sept. 28

MONTEREY COUNTY – A project to replace the Limekiln Bridge (PM 20.95) just south of Lucia on Highway 1 is set to begin the geotechnical drilling phase on Monday, Sept. 28.

A northbound lane and shoulder closure along the bridge will result in flagged one-way reversing traffic control from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. Drilling takes place during daytime hours to follow all state and local requirements to protect groundwater and the environment.

This phase of the bridge replacement includes a subsurface investigation to better understand the soil and rock beneath and around the existing bridge. Crews will drill six small borings—mostly through the current bridge deck—to collect soil and rock samples and create a detailed profile of underground conditions. This work uses a closed, water‑circulating drilling system and rock‑coring methods to safely obtain samples. The investigation ensures that engineers have the information they need to design a safe and durable replacement bridge.

Message and directional signs will alert travelers in advance of the areas under traffic control. Travelers can expect delays of up to 10 minutes, please allow for extra time for your travels through the area. This phase of the project is expected to be completed by mid-November 2026.

Visitors and community members in the area can expect loud noise during this construction phase. For public safety, California State Parks will temporarily close Limekiln State Park campsites 4 through 12 during the geotechnical operations. Public access to the beach will remain open throughout this period, and all other State Parks services and operations will continue without interruption. For more information visit: Limekiln State Park.

Project Background:

In 2012, inspections and concrete core testing by Caltrans’ Structure Maintenance and Investigations Team confirmed that chloride intrusion—caused by years of exposure to salt‑laden coastal fog—has deteriorated both the Limekiln Bridge’s superstructure and substructure. This damage has led to ongoing concrete cracking and corrosion of the steel reinforcement and cables. The bridge has also faced persistent slope instability at the north abutment, driven by powerful ocean waves. Although multiple stabilization efforts have been attempted, the slope cannot be permanently secured. In addition, the California Coastal Commission’s Coastal Development Permit (3‑09‑020) requires the removal of the existing slope armoring. Due to these combined structural and environmental challenges, the Caltrans Structure Maintenance and Investigations peer review committee determined in October 2012 that replacing the existing bridge is necessary to ensure long‑term safety and reliability.

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.