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 is replacing the railroad bridge over San Juan Creek in the City of San Juan Capistrano.
The project is constructing 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.
On Monday, Oct. 27, train service officially began over the newly constructed railroad bridge in San Juan Capistrano, marking a major milestone in OCTA and Metrolink’s ongoing commitment to enhance rail safety and reliability.
The new bridge, built immediately adjacent to the previous bridge, serves Metrolink and Amtrack Pacific Surfliner passenger trains, as well as freight trains.
Although train service has transitioned to the new bridge, crews will continue working in the area next spring to disassemble and remove the old bridge. A new foundation and substructure will be constructed in its place for a potential future second bridge.
Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.
Click on the video below to see the progress of construction and how the new bridge came to life.
WHAT: Crews are expected to perform nighttime track work beginning as early as Monday, Dec. 1. These activities will occur near the Del Obispo crossing, where signal arms may be activated more frequently during this period. While most work will take place overnight, daytime work may also trigger the arms to come down intermittently at the Del Obispo crossing during the day. Motorists traveling through the area are encouraged to plan ahead and expect minor delays.
WHEN: As early as Monday, Dec. 1 through Thursday, Dec. 11, nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
CLOSURE: Beginning Monday, Dec. 1, the outside lane on 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 to allow for track work near the Del Obispo crossing. Westbound Del Obispo will remain open.
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.
