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San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project

Construction Updates

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.

Project Details

SJC 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.

The project will also:

  •    Construct tracks
  •    Construct a new bikeway underpass
  •    Construct retaining walls
  •    Install new utilities and signals
  •    Remove vegetation

Construction Activities


Retaining Walls

Crews are constructing five retaining walls adjacent to the bikeway bridge over San Juan 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.

UPDATE: Concrete Pours for Railroad Bridge Improvements

Crews are continuing to construct bridge abutments for the new railroad bridge. This requires a day of intermittent concrete pours, which has been rescheduled to Monday, Feb. 3. To accommodate this activity, a series of concrete trucks will be accessing the construction site from Trabuco Creek Trail. During times when concrete trucks are on the trail, pedestrians and bicyclists will be briefly stopped by flaggers until the trail is clear.

wall work
Contractors setting pile for a retaining wall near bikeway bridge

wall
Abutment wall construction


Community Impacts


Train Horns

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.

Additional Impacts

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 alarms. The alarms are required by state regulation.

Construction Accomplishments

Watch the video to see notable progress made since the project commenced in May 2024.
Community Outreach

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.

Contact the Outreach Team

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.