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 expected to perform nighttime track and utility work from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for approximately two weeks. This work is in preparation for the upcoming Absolute Work Window (AWW) on Oct. 25-26, where crews will work around the clock to continue track improvements. Passenger rail service on the Orange County and Inland Empire Orange County lines.
Crews are currently hauling away track materials through the Del Obispo crossing. Several large trucks are entering via the Del Obispo crossing and exiting at Stonehill Drive. To complete this work safely, the outside lane of eastbound Del Obispo Street, between Paseo Adelanto and Camino Capistrano, will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for approximately one week. Westbound Del Obispo remains open.
This work may be loud. This schedule is subject to change due to change of weather or unforeseen operational issues.
OCTA, in coordination with Metrolink, is replacing a 108-year-old railroad bridge over San Juan Creek with a new three-span girder bridge that is being constructed west of the existing bridge, built in 1917.
A passenger service outage in late September allowed crews to efficiently perform track-related activities, including removing rail and railroad ties, layering new concrete railroad ties and welding tracks. Another passenger service outage is expected to be planned for later this month to allow for additional track improvements.
Contractors removing railroad ties
Layering new concrete railroad ties
Welding near the Del Obispo crossing
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.
