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.
Construction generally occurs on weekdays, Monday through Friday, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Night and weekend work may be required for some activities.
Contractors are continuing to construct the bridge foundation and columns that will support the new railroad bridge. This will require concrete pours that are scheduled to occur weekly through August. Approximately 40 concrete trucks will be accessing the creek from Camino Capistrano and exiting at Stonehill Drive. No lane closures are anticipated during this activity.
Contractors are expected to perform pile driving activities adjacent to the San Juan Creek Trail. Steel beams also referred to as “piles” will be driven into the ground to provide foundation support for the new railroad bridge. This work is expected to begin from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, beginning as soon as Tuesday, July 30 to Friday, Aug. 2.
This work may be loud. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.
A segment of the San Juan Creek Trail/Vereda Bikeway is expected to close intermittently throughout construction to allow contractors to perform work around the bridge.
The trail is currently closed between the pedestrian bridge over Trabuco Creek and Camino Capistrano and is expected to reopen on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Trail users are being detoured to Camino Capistrano, Del Obispo Street, and Trabuco Creek Trail. The detour is the most direct route around the closure. Detour signs and informational signs have been installed to guide trail users around the closure. Bicyclists are encouraged to walk their bikes along Del Obispo Street.
Once the trail reopens, the contractor will continue working in the area and will need to briefly close the trail intermittingly through late-August. Flaggers will be on site to manage trail traffic.
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 and Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.
In addition, the team participates in community events. The community is encouraged to stop by and ask questions or pick up project resources. 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.
