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.
In early September, a milestone was reached when the construction of four columns that are the foundational support for the new railroad bridge was completed. The creek was later restored to its original condition for the rainy season before crews return to the creek in Spring 2025 to continue building the railroad bridge.
Crews are focusing on constructing the new bridge abutments over the next several months, which include work such as drilling, installing piles and performing a series of concrete pours.
A new retaining wall within rail right of way next to the City Hall and Santa Margarita Water District facilities is being constructed to support the railroad track. The wall will be approximately 470' long and 6' tall. This work is expected to continue through the end of the year. Construction vehicles are accessing the location using Paseo Adelanto.
This work may be loud. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.
The San Juan Creek Trail is currently closed through Friday, Nov. 22, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. At the end of each workday, the trail will reopen to the public.
This closure will allow crews to construct a retaining wall and perform work on the new railroad bridge.
Trail users will be detoured to Camino Capistrano, Del Obispo Street and the Trabuco Creek Trail. Detour signs will be installed prior to the closure.
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.
