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.
Last week, crews demobilized from the San Juan Creek in preparation for the upcoming wet season. Work outside of the channel will be ongoing until the next dry season in Spring 2026.Demobilization from the San Juan Creek is
Crews are now preparing to lay railroad tracks to connect with the newly constructed bridge. Material delivery and track installation will begin north of San Juan Creek and progress south over the next several weeks.
This work may be loud. This schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.
Track materials are expected to be delivered to the project site from the Del Obispo crossing and this will require nightly lane closures on Del Obispo Street between Paseo Adelanto and Camino Capistrano. At least one lane in each direction will remain open during this time.
Lane Closures
Passenger rail service on the Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines will be interrupted on the weekend of Sept. 20-21 for track maintenance and rehabilitation projects.
Metrolink will not be operating between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations and will not be providing alternative transportation. Read Metrolink’s advisory here. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner will not operate between Irvine and San Diego. For more information about bus bridges available for Surfliner passengers, click here.
Contractors on the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project will use this time to perform track and utility work.
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.
