The Ultimate Solution for Making the Highway to Point Lobos Safe

Constructing a large parking lot across the highway from Point Lobos (to the east) is the real answer to eliminating the life-endangering problems we have highlighted on this website.

The large parking area would be complemented by a pedestrian tunnel or bridge for visitors to safely cross Highway 1 while eliminating all visitor parking on Highway. This (yet to be funded) design is described in the State Parks master plan for Point Lobos:

“Public access features will include an upgraded intersection that provides access to both the Reserve and the Inland Area, a protected pedestrian crossing of SR 1 between the Reserve and Inland Area, and transit/shuttle drop-off/pick-up locations. A number of new visitor parking spaces will be added as needed in stages within the Inland Area to serve public access to the Reserve, coordinated with the removal of Reserve visitor parking. The Inland Area will function in tandem with the Reserve to help distribute visitors to park areas with recreation options, contributing to visitor management and reducing resource degradation from excessive visitation within the Reserve.” (Carmel Area State Parks Final General Plan and Environmental Impact Report; July 2021; p. 4-63. Access the complete plan here.)

This ultimate solution requires a considerable construction. Caltrans would need to implement a roundabout or left hand turn lane on Highway 1 so vehicles could safely exit the highway and enter the parking area.

Before any shovel hits the ground, many assessments of potential impact would need to be completed. These include a review of the water table for the pedestrian underpass, and a cultural resource management plan (already underway).

This big, multi-agency project likely would require many millions of dollars to design and build. But it is the solution that can eliminate the disturbing problems documented in this website.

Encourage your elected representatives to support funding for the true solution to the highway safety challenges at Point Lobos.