Train service linking Orange and San Diego counties has been halted once more — this time for an estimated six weeks — as crews try to reinforce a particularly wobbly section of coastline in San Clemente that has been causing problems for the critical railway line for years. The closures, which started on Monday, mean that Metrolink’s Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County train routes will only be running between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station, completely shutting down service to the four most southern stops: San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, San Clemente Pier, and Oceanside. Unfortunately, there won’t be any bus or detour service available for passengers during this time. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner line will also be affected by the construction work, but fear not, a bypass bus will be running between Irvine and Oceanside to ensure passengers can complete their journey.
The temporary disruptions come hot on the heels of transportation authorities calling for emergency repairs to stabilize the four most vulnerable areas above the railroad track through San Clemente, as stated by the Orange County Transportation Authority. They’ve stressed that it’s absolutely necessary to take action urgently to address the threats posed by slope and beach erosion and to ensure the safety of the community, rail passengers, and overall rail operations. The project in San Clemente is primarily focused on construction that aims to protect the rail line from coastal erosion and landslide activity, according to updates from Metrolink officials. The oceanside railway in San Clemente, along with other coastal areas in Orange County, has been closed multiple times in recent years due to issues like coastal erosion, landslides, and rockfalls that continue to impact the stability and safety of the track.
There’s been a lot of pressure on railway officials to find a long-term solution for this critical railway, which plays a key role in both public transportation and freight services. Advocates and lawmakers have been growing increasingly concerned about the LOSSAN rail corridor, which covers Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo, especially with the threats posed by climate change and declining ridership. However, there hasn’t been much progress in finding or funding a permanent fix for the corridor. On top of all this, Amtrak’s rail service in San Diego County is also facing frequent schedule changes due to a similar construction project aimed at stabilizing the bluffs in Del Mar. The work planned in San Clemente over the next few weeks marks the beginning of a larger emergency project that OCTA authorities anticipate will take about a year to complete. The initial focus will be on restoring rock reinforcements, known as riprap, along the tracks that have deteriorated due to wave damage and beach erosion. Crews will also be putting down 240,000 cubic yards of sand in the area to help stabilize the slope and protect the track.
So, it looks like we’ll have to buckle up and be patient for a little while longer as these necessary construction works take place to ensure the safety and stability of the railway line. Let’s hope everything goes smoothly, and we can get back to enjoying uninterrupted train services between Orange and San Diego counties in the near future.
