The ocean's encroachment on Highway 1 at Surfers Beach has prompted California's Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to develop plans for relocating the highway further inland. This decision comes as coastal erosion and rising sea levels increasingly threaten the existing roadway, raising concerns not only for transportation but also for nearby residences and parks. The encroachment has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure adaptation in the face of climate change.

For Surfers Beach, the problem is compounded by the disruption of natural sand movement caused by the construction of the Pillar Point Harbor, which has prevented sediments from replenishing the beach. As a result, the beach has lost its natural defense against ocean erosion, forcing local authorities to consider various mitigation strategies, including the proposed highway relocation. This highlights the broader challenges facing coastal communities as infrastructure must be re-evaluated in light of environmental changes.

Local stakeholders have raised concerns about the overlap of the proposed project with existing sewer line infrastructure, as well as potential obstacles to emergency access during the relocation process. These factors underscore the need for careful planning and community engagement to address the complex implications of relocating a major highway in a densely populated area, ensuring both safety and environmental sustainability as California adapts to its evolving coastline.