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 constructing five retaining walls adjacent to the bikeway bridge over San Jan Creek Trail. Activities include materials delivery, drilling, and installing steel beams. The longest retaining wall being constructed is within the rail right of way next to City Hall and the Santa Margarita Water District facilities. This wall will be approximately 470' long and 6' tall.
In addition, crews are continuing to construct various abutments for the new railroad bridge.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, crews will not be working on Monday, Jan. 20. Construction will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Contractors setting pile for a retaining wall near bikeway bridge
Abutment wall construction
Steel piles installed for retaining wall near City Hall
For the safety of crews and trail users, flaggers will be positioned along a segment of the San Juan Creek Trail from Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Friday, Jan. 24 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. to allow crews to mobilize equipment for the new railroad bridge supports. During this time, pedestrians and bicyclists will be briefly stopped by flaggers until the trail is cleared and it is safe for them to proceed.
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.
