The Uncertain Future of Iconic, Battered, Highway 1

KQED's Forum

Yet another stretch of Highway 1 near Big Sur remains closed after a chunk of the roadway fell into the ocean in March. The latest closure raises questions about the future of the iconic highway amid threats from extreme weather and coastal erosion. “Everything is working against Highway 1,” Gary Griggs, an oceanography professor at the University of California at Santa Cruz told the Washington Post. We’ll look at what it could take to save Highway 1 and what it all means for local residents and the state’s economy.

Guests:

Jonathan Warrick, research geologist, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, United States Geological Survey

Rosanna Xia, environmental reporter, Los Angeles Times; Xia specializes in coastal and ocean issues. Her latest book is "California Against the Sea: Visions for Our Vanishing Coastline."

Brianna Sacks, extreme weather & disasters reporter, Washington Post

Ben Perlmutter, managing partner, Big Sur River Inn