California insists Route 1 is “open for business” despite partial closure

California tourism chiefs have reassured the trade that the iconic Highway 1 is ‎”open for business” after damage to a bridge and a landslide caused by heavy rains led to part of the Pacific route to be closed.

While part of the road in the Big Sur region will remain closed until at least September, Visit California said a diversion using the inland Highway 101 meant it was still a viable fly-drive and touring route for visitors.

Speaking at the IPW conference in Washington, Caroline Beteta, chief executive, said: “The good news is the drought is officially over, but the storms mean there is work to do on one of our most iconic attractions.”

A northern stretch of the highway remains open as far as Big Sur Ranger Station. Those driving from the south can travel as far as Ragged Point, allowing access to Hearst Castle, before looping on to Highway 101 via Pasa Robles.

The diversion takes about the same amount of time to drive as the closed section of Highway 1.