Big Sur planners propose Bixby Bridge ban

Monterey County officials are moving toward a yearlong parking ban around Bixby Bridge, the Big Sur landmark that has become one of Highway 1’s busiest photo stops. The Board of Supervisors voted on May 19 to advance a 12-month moratorium on parking in the immediate vicinity of the bridge, according to a county fact sheet released May 21. The restriction is not yet in effect, and county staff still must draft an ordinance, secure permits and return to the board for additional review. Officials tied the proposal to safety problems that have intensified since Highway 1 fully reopened through Big Sur on January 14. ### Why are officials targeting Bixby Bridge now? The May 19 board action followed months of rising traffic after Caltrans reopened Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide, restoring through travel between Carmel and Cambria. Governor Gavin Newsom said on January 14 that the reopening came nearly 90 days earlier than expected and restored full access along the Big Sur coast. County officials said that reopening brought a sharp increase in visitors to roadside overlooks and pullouts near Bixby Bridge. In materials presented to supervisors, Monterey County said northbound traffic at Ragged Point had increased by more than 900% year over year, while Caltrans reported restaurant and retail guest counts up about 40% year to date and peak weekends nearly doubling 2025 levels. (gov.ca.gov) ### What problem are residents and officials describing? Monterey County’s fact sheet said officials cited emergency vehicle access delays, traffic congestion affecting residents and commuters, illegal roadside and in-road parking, and pedestrian safety concerns near the bridge. The county said those issues were linked to increased visitation after Highway 1 reopened. (ebs.publicnow.com) KSBW reported that residents and visitors described the same pattern in practical terms: tourists stopping along the narrow highway to take photos, backing up traffic and crowding the roadside. Marcus Foster, a Big Sur resident, told the station that state coastal officials should visit on a holiday weekend because “you need to see it to believe it.” (ebs.publicnow.com) ### Did the board already impose the ban? The county said the ban has not yet been implemented. The May 19 vote directed staff to draft a temporary ordinance establishing parking restrictions and bring it back to the Board of Supervisors for at least two rounds of review before any enforcement begins. The same county fact sheet said the original goal of putting restrictions in place before Memorial Day weekend was delayed by permitting requirements, staffing needs and enforcement planning. (ksbw.com) KSBW also reported that the county still must file emergency permits and pass an ordinance before “no parking” signs can be installed. ### How would enforcement work? (ebs.publicnow.com) Monterey County said enforcement planning remains unresolved. Officials discussed whether enforcement costs would be covered by the county, the state, or both, and the county’s preliminary estimate projected about $15,300 a month for one California Highway Patrol officer working weekends. Additional options under discussion included Monterey County Sheriff-based enforcement agreements and drone monitoring. (ebs.publicnow.com) Some supervisors also raised concerns about whether a full ban could shift congestion into travel lanes and whether California Coastal Commission rules could complicate the plan, according to the county fact sheet. ### What happens next for drivers and visitors? County staff are now preparing draft ordinance language for a return to the Board of Supervisors, according to Monterey County’s May 21 fact sheet. (ebs.publicnow.com) The county also said Caltrans permitting efforts and an Emergency Coastal Development Permit process will begin before any restrictions can be implemented. For now, Highway 1 remains open through Big Sur, and the proposed Bixby Bridge restrictions remain pending. (ebs.publicnow.com) The next formal step is board review of the ordinance and related permit work by Monterey County staff, Caltrans and the California Coastal Commission.