Gorda Drivers: Caltrans Plans Limekiln Creek Bridge Replacement, With Temporary Campsite Limits Until November

GORDA AND THE BIG SUR SOUTH COAST — October 30, 2026. Highway 1 is the main north-south public route for Gorda-area residents and visitors, so decisions about a bridge north of the community can matter far beyond the construction site. Caltrans is planning to replace the Limekiln Creek Bridge near Lucia, a roughly 580-foot concrete structure that the agency says is experiencing deterioration. That is a proposed replacement project, not a claim that a new bridge has been completed or that all south coast traffic is closed.

Why engineering crews are working at Limekiln

Caltrans describes the existing two-lane Highway 1 bridge and the need for geotechnical investigation to help design a replacement. The project is located within Limekiln State Park. The park entrance is at the southern abutment, and the beach can be reached from within the park beneath the bridge. The bridge has eight piers and two abutments.

Caltrans announced drilling of small borings to test subsurface conditions, with engineering and traffic controls continuing through the fall. The agency’s September 25 announcement warned of potential delays of up to approximately 10 minutes during one-way reversing traffic control. A published possible delay is not a live travel time and does not mean the route is closed all day.

Campsite restrictions and day-use differences

The project notice lists temporary closures for Limekiln State Park campsites 4 through 12 until October 30 and an extended closure for campsite 4 until November 13. The campsite-specific plan should not be confused with a closure of the entire state park. Caltrans says park day use remains available during drilling.

California State Parks’ October 29 visitor update separately notes that the Limekiln Trail to Pitkins Curve Trail and ocean-view overlook is open but the Hare Creek and Limekiln Falls trails remain closed. Visitors should check the latest park notice before booking a campsite or arriving for a hike.

Planning trips from Gorda

Because the work is north of Gorda, travelers headed to Carmel or Monterey from the South Coast should budget extra time for any posted flagging or temporary controls. Conversely, residents traveling to communities south of Gorda should not assume a blockage at Limekiln applies to their entire route. Check Caltrans QuickMap for current restrictions and the appropriate State Parks page for conditions inside the park.

Separate projects on the same highway

This article addresses the longer-term replacement proposal for the Limekiln Creek Bridge. It is separate from short-term Buck Creek Bridge drainage work and from the campground services near Plaskett, subjects covered in earlier Gorda-area reporting. A construction survey does not establish a final design, a signed construction contract or a bridge opening date.

Send records and correction notices to california58com@gmail.com for Gorda News.

Sources: Caltrans Limekiln Creek Bridge Replacement project, September 25, 2026 engineering-work release, and California State Parks October 29 visitor notice.

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