A $29 million project intended to project motorists from falling rock and slides has begun in Monterey County.

The project, dubbed the Highway 1 Pitkin’s Curve Bridge and Rainrocks Rockshed, began on Nov. 30 and will install a 620-ft. (188 m) long bridge, and a protective cover on Highway 1 just south of Lucia.

“We are thrilled to break ground on a project that will significantly enhance the long-term stability of the coast highway,” said District 5 Director Rich Krumholz.

During the first stage of construction the roadway will be relocated closer to the hillside and one-way flagging operations may be in effect from 8 am to 4 pm Monday though Friday. By spring, a temporary traffic signal will be in place, meaning one-way traffic control will be in effect 24/7.

The project requires four years of construction time; however, it will go through several winter seasons, which may extend the project’s completion date depending on severity of the weather, according to Caltrans.

The project’s contractor is Golden State Bridge of Martinez, Calif.

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