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Monterey County to extend temporary no‑parking barriers at Bixby Bridge after Rocky Creek repairs
Summary
The Board voted to continue the temporary no‑parking zone and physical barriers on Old Coast Road near Bixby Bridge after Caltrans finishes Rocky Creek repairs, citing public‑safety concerns and ongoing visitor‑management work with state partners.
Monterey County supervisors voted June 3 to keep a temporary no‑parking zone and physical barriers on Old Coast Road at Bixby Bridge in place after Caltrans finishes repair work at Rocky Creek.
County Public Works Director Randy Ishii presented the referral, saying the temporary measures had reduced unsafe roadside parking and pedestrian crossings since they were installed during the Rocky Creek repair. "We find that with the no parking and the temporary traffic control in place of the k rail ... there are some violators, but not the same number of what has been experienced in the past," Ishii told the board during his presentation.
The board backed a staff recommendation to continue talks with partner agencies and, if needed, pursue a coastal development permit or other approvals to make a longer‑term change. County staff said they will return in July with options after further discussions with the California Coastal Commission, Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and county public safety agencies.
Why it matters: Bixby Bridge and the Old Coast Road have become a recurring public‑safety concern because visitors frequently stop, park legally and illegally, and cross Highway 1 to photograph the bridge. Residents and emergency responders say blocked access on Coast Road has impeded egress for homes and response routes. The temporary barriers were installed while Caltrans controlled traffic during a nearby slope repair at Rocky Creek.
What the board heard: Local residents and community groups urged the supervisors to keep the measures in place. Rachel Goldberger, program manager for the Community Association of Big Sur, told the board the temporary K‑rail and no‑parking pattern “strongly support[s] making these changes permanent” because it improved safety and reduced trash. John Yeras, a resident CHP post officer who works in Big Sur, told the board the site remains a safety hotspot and said CHP supports continuing the restrictions while a more permanent solution is studied.
County staff flagged next steps: the county will continue stakeholder meetings, perform required CEQA analysis for any proposed permanent changes, and outline permit options and costs. Ishii estimated preliminary cost ranges for further improvements from roughly $10,000 for signage up to $100,000+ depending on scope and Coastal Commission conditions.
What’s next: The board voted to continue the temporary parking prohibition and directed staff to return with firm options in July. County staff said they will work with the Coastal Commission and other state and federal agencies to identify a path that preserves safe access for residents and emergency responders while managing visitor use.
