Nacimiento-Fergusson Road Closure Photos

 

 

 

The atmospheric river storm event that stalled over Monterey County in late January dumped up to 15 inches of rain on the Monterey Ranger District. The Highway 1 washout at Rat Creek generated national headlines, however, the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road that connects Highway 1 with Fort Hunter Liggett and Highway 101 suffered significantly more damage but received far less media attention. Extensive slides, debris flows and road failures at a dozen sites along the road have rendered Nac-Ferg impassable to vehicle traffic. The road will remain closed under a Forest Order until repairs can be made. The public is strongly encouraged to avoid Nacimiento-Fergusson Road until the road has been cleared of debris and is safe for through traffic. Initial cost estimates for fixing the road run into the millions of dollars. The Forest Service is working with the Monterey County Department of Public Works and Fort Hunter Liggett, and will be applying for Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) through the Federal Highway Administration to secure additional funding.