Coastal Rail Emergency Projects
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Frequently Asked Questions
OCTA is taking the following actions and implementing a comprehensive approach to protecting the rail line. These actions include:
- OCTA issued an emergency request for information for contractors to provide dredging and transport options to expedite the sand placement component of the projects. OCTA expects to place approximately 540,000 cubic yards of sand.
- On April 14, the OCTA Board is expected to consider an action that will authorize the CEO to enter into emergency contracting agreements to expedite work on the four Coastal Rail Stabilization Priority Projects. The board action, if approved, would allow OCTA to:
- Issue an emergency design-build procurement to include for construction of a catchment wall along Mariposa Point, which is planned to include the restoration of San Clemente’s popular pedestrian trail, and to build a revetment, seawall or functionally equivalent structure south of San Clemente State Beach.
- Direct Metrolink to repair and replace existing riprap, limiting the amount to only what’s necessary to protect the track, estimated at 6,500 cubic yards.
Each project activity will occur on a different timeline based on its complexity, and availability of contractors and material. Impacts to rail service and beach access will be communicated with the public when schedules of specific activities are finalized.
Once emergency contracts are in place, it is expected work will begin in April 2025. Riprap repair and placement in Areas 1 and 2 is projected to take 1-2 months. Work to build the catchment wall in Area 3 and the engineered revetment in Area 4 is estimated to take approximately up to one year.
Regarding the sand placement aspect of the project, OCTA needs to determine a suitable source for sand to be placed on the beaches in San Clemente. The source site sand needs to be tested and evaluated for suitability with the placement site. Design for the sand nourishment is also being advanced in order to procure a contractor with hopper-dredge equipment. Timing for this project component will become clearer when submissions are received in response to OCTA’s request for information.
OCTA has been awarded $305 million for the projects through state and federal grants. The funding includes:
- California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) awarded $125 million to OCTA through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded $100 million in funding from its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.
- California Transportation Commission awarded OCTA $80 million from the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP)
Project Details
All riprap placement will mostly be within OCTA’s existing railroad right-of-way. The work in Area 1 and 2 will repair the existing riprap section and will maintain its original embankment shape within the railroad right-of-way and not extend further into the beach than today. Both areas will also include additional sand nourishment, which will increase the width of the beach through the Project areas.
The Project for Area 4 includes both riprap repair and proposed engineered structure sections in areas where existing riprap does not exist, and where extensive erosion has been observed along the track embankment. The engineered section will be built mostly within the existing railroad right-of-way. In addition, sand nourishment will be included in Area 4, which will increase the width of the beach through the project area.