Project Overview

The Orange County Transportation Authority, in coordination with Metrolink, is working to stabilize railroad tracks in south San Clemente. The tracks have shown signs of movement as a result of a rapidly eroding coastline, and a large slope with a historical landslide that has been activated by development over the years and significant sand erosion. Weekday passenger train service through the area has been suspended and freight train service has been reduced. The goals of the emergency project are to stabilize the tracks and to safely reopen the line to passenger rail service as soon as possible.

About the Project

The Orange County Transportation Authority, in coordination with Metrolink, is installing ground anchors into the slope between the railroad tracks and the Cyprus Shore community to prevent further slope movement.

Funding

The preliminary Project cost is $12 million based on conceptual design and is subject to change. With the support of the Californian Transportation Commission, OCTA has secured $6 million from the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). In addition, OCTA has secured $6 million from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) to help fund the emergency construction.

Restoring Passenger Service

In partnership with all rail agencies, a decision will be made when to safely resume passenger rail service. Restoration of passenger rail service could happen in as soon as 60 days, in mid-December, or when the construction is expected to be finished in mid-January, in 90 days.

Long-Term Solution

OCTA continues to pursue long-term options for protecting the rail line in this area and throughout the Orange County coastal region and will seek input from the public and all stakeholders as it continues to study the issue.

Construction Activities

Crews will install ground anchors into the large slope between the railroad tracks and the Cyprus Shore community to prevent the slope from pushing the tracks further toward the coast. More than 230 anchors will be drilled into bedrock deep beneath the slope.

Example of ground anchor installation

A construction staging area is set up on a lot at the corner of Avenida De Las Palmera and Calle Ariana. Crews are using this area to produce concrete that will be used in the track stabilization work. Approximately 10 construction vehicles are expected to access the work area daily and park on Calle Ariana.

Crews have begun installing steel rebar cases and concrete operations. Beginning the week of Nov. 14, contractors are expected to drill into the slope to install the first row of ground anchors. This work is expected to continue through the end of December.

Installation of rebar cages along the slope

Concrete trucks are currently staged near the vacation lot at Calle Ariana and Avenida de las Palmera and near the Cyprus Shore entrance guard gate. Work is expected to continue through February 2023.

Contractors have completed the installation of a six-foot-high, chain-link fence near the top of the slope to secure the site.

Crews are working up to 12-hours shifts on weekdays. Work hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. No overnight work is anticipated.

This work may be loud. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement work or unforeseen operational issues.

Community Impacts

Noise may be heard from construction equipment at the staging area or on the slope. Residents may hear back-up alarms from construction equipment; the alarms are required by state regulation. In addition, train horns may be sounded, a requirement of all trains when workers are present near the tracks. Crews will use lights during evening operations, as needed.

Safety

Sheriff’s deputies will be patrolling the construction site to ensure the safety of the public. Anyone entering the rail property could be cited for trespassing.

Resources

• FAQs - English
• Construction Alert Flyer
• Project Map
• Press Release – Emergency Track Stabilization Work Set to Begin
• Press Release – OCTA, State Transportation Officials, Declare Emergency
• Press Release – Construction Begins on Track Stabilization Project