The approximately six-week closure of Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train service is set to begin Monday, allowing crews to safely and efficiently conduct emergency repairs
ORANGE – Passenger rail service through San Clemente will be suspended beginning Monday, April 28, to allow for crews to safely conduct emergency construction aimed at stabilizing sections of track at immediate risk from landslides and coastal erosion.
The Orange County Transportation Authority, in coordination with Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, is taking action to protect the only coastal rail link between San Diego and Orange counties, following continued threats from the privately owned bluffs and from coastal erosion and storm surges.
The emergency work is focused on priority areas in San Clemente along the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN), identified through engineering analysis where recent landslides have already caused significant damage.
Passenger rail service is expected to be suspended for approximately six weeks, beginning on Monday, April 28, while crews work to repair and reinforce the most vulnerable segments of the track. The closure affects both Metrolink’s Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines, as well as Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains through the area.
During the construction work, Metrolink will continue to operate trains traveling southbound as far as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station. Passengers should check metrolinktrains.com/service-updates for the latest rail service updates.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner will continue to operate modified service between San Luis Obispo and San Juan Capistrano, as well as between Oceanside and Downtown San Diego. Bus connections will be provided between Irvine and Oceanside. Passengers are being directed to www.pacificsurfliner.com/alerts for schedule information and updates.
“This temporary closure allows our teams to safely carry out urgent reinforcement work to protect rail passengers, freight operations and public safety,” said OCTA & Metrolink Chair Doug Chaffee, also Orange County’s Fourth District Supervisor. “While we recognize the inconvenience, this action is necessary to preserve the long-term integrity of this vital rail link.”
The closure will allow OCTA to begin work under a partial emergency Coastal Development Permit granted by the California Coastal Commission that allows for riprap repair and sand placement north of Mariposa Point and removal of the remaining pedestrian bridge at Mariposa Point, which was damaged in a landslide last year that shuttered the rail line.
OCTA’s overall stabilization work will include approximately 95% sand and 5% riprap, only where needed to stabilize the slope and protect the track. OCTA’s effort is the largest volume of sand ever placed on San Clemente beaches in a single effort to protect the rail line and stabilize the coastline.
The complete package of emergency measures needed to protect the rail line include:
- Repairing and reinforcing coastal protection in three key locations with approximately 8,150 tons of riprap followed by sand nourishment, placing up to 540,000 cubic yards of sand – approximately 95% of total materials – to restore beaches and absorb wave energy
- Constructing a 1,400-foot catchment wall near Mariposa Point to contain debris from recent and active landslides
- Restoring pedestrian access along affected coastal trail segments
- Coordinating with state and federal partners to secure permits and additional funding for longer-term shoreline protection.
Work is moving forward under emergency authorization, following prompt action by the California Transportation Commission and issuance of the partial Emergency Coastal Development Permit from the California Coastal Commission. A full Coastal Commission hearing on additional work areas is expected in early May, with continued coordination to address the most urgent threats identified.
While stabilization activities begin with emergency track closures, OCTA continues advancing environmental clearance and long-term coastal resiliency strategies, including sand placement.
OCTA will continue to coordinate with its rail partners and provide timely updates to the public regarding service restoration, construction progress, and beach access impacts.
For the latest updates and information, visit: www.octa.net/RailEmergency.
