The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in coordination with Metrolink, is replacing the railroad bridge over San Juan Creek. Built in 1917, the bridge has reached the end of its useful life and will be replaced by a new three-span girder bridge.
The San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project will replace the railroad bridge over San Juan Creek in the City of San Juan Capistrano.
The project will construct a new three-span girder bridge west of the existing bridge. The new bridge will enhance safety, reduce maintenance needs, and meet current design and bridge load standards. The existing bridge will be demolished, and a new foundation and substructure will be installed for a potential future bridge. There are no plans to construct a second bridge but if a need arises, the supporting infrastructure will be in place.
The bridge serves Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner passenger trains, as well as freight trains.
Crews are continuing nighttime utility work, which includes installation of conduit line for the new railroad bridge. This activity occurs weekdays from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. and is expected to continue through the end of June. The adjacent communities may experience noise and lighting from the operation.
Beginning as soon as Monday, June 16, crews are expected to begin installing railroad track foundations that will connect to the new railroad bridge south of San Juan Creek. Construction vehicles will access the site via Camino Capistrano and exit at Stonehill Drive using the access trail that runs along San Juan Creek.
Crews completed installing sheet piles within the creek channel. An operation that began in early May, this work involved drilling 100-foot-long steel beams along the slope embankment. We appreciate the community’s patience throughout this process.
This work may be loud. Schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.
Contractors installing sheet pile walls.
Crews torch cutting sheet piles.
The San Juan Creek Trail is expected to be closed as soon as Monday, June 16 for approximately one week. The closures are Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and would allow crews to continue construction activities safely around the bikeway underpass.
The bike path will reopen at the end of each work day.
Trail users will be detoured to Camino Capistrano, Del Obispo Street and the Trabuco Creek Trail.
Another closure of the trail is anticipated this summer. More information will be available in future communications.
This schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines require all trains to sound their horns when workers are present, in emergency situations or when there are trespassers on or around railroad tracks. This federal mandate applies to construction zones. As a result, for the safety of construction workers, train crews and passengers, and the public, horns will be sounded when trains pass through the area.
The public and businesses adjacent to the work area may experience noise and vibration from demolition and drilling activities as well as light from construction operations. Noise may also be generated from construction equipment back-up alarm. The alarms are required by state regulation.
The Public Outreach team regularly hosts project information booths at Descanso Park in San Juan Capistrano. In addition, the team participates in community events.
Businesses or civic organizations that would like to receive a project presentation may email the team at SJCBridge@octa.net.
If you have any questions or would like to request information in another language, please contact the Outreach Team at (800) 724-0353 or email SJCBridge@octa.net.
