Coastal Rail Emergency Projects
Coastal Rail Emergency Projects
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in coordination with Metrolink, is taking emergency action to advance emergency projects in San Clemente that will immediately protect a critical link in the state’s rail network.
Project Overview
As a part of Coastal Rail Resiliency Study, OCTA completed an Initial Assessment that identified four areas requiring immediate action to ensure safe and uninterrupted rail operations through San Clemente.
Emergency action is necessary to address urgent threats from slope and beach erosion and to protect the community, rail passengers and overall rail operations.
The work is projected to include approximately 95% sand and 5% rock reinforcement, known as riprap, only to be placed where needed to stabilize the slope and protect the track. OCTA’s effort is the largest volume of sand placement planned for San Clemente beaches in a single effort.
The emergency projects are independent from the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study and are currently underway. Each project activity occurs on a different timeline based on complexity and availability of contractors and materials.
Riprap repair and placement, sand nourishment
Funding
The $310.5 million project is funded with Measure M2, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, as well as state and federal funds.
Measure M2
State
Federal
Coastal Rail Emergency Repair Projects
| Area | Location (Mile Post) |
Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 203.83-203.90 | Ongoing deterioration of the existing protective riprap due to erosion | Riprap repair, placement and sand nourishment |
| 2 | 204.00-204.40 | Ongoing deterioration of the existing protective riprap due to erosion | Riprap repair, placement and sand nourishment |
| 3 | 204.07-204.34 | Continuing bluff failures posing imminent threat to rail infrastructure | Catchment wall with trail restoration |
| 4 | 206.00-206.70 | Erosion exposing areas of limited to no riprap protection | Engineered shore protection and sand nourishment |
Modifications to design features may be necessary as project development process progresses and engineering is refined.
Coastal Rail Emergency Repair Projects
| Area | Location (Mile Post) |
Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 203.83-203.90 | Ongoing deterioration of the existing protective riprap due to erosion | Riprap repair, placement and sand nourishment |
| 2 | 204.00-204.40 | Ongoing deterioration of the existing protective riprap due to erosion | Riprap repair, placement and sand nourishment |
| 3 | 204.07-204.34 | Continuing bluff failures posing imminent threat to rail infrastructure | Catchment wall with trail restoration |
| 4 | 206.00-206.70 | Erosion exposing areas of limited to no riprap protection | Engineered shore protection and sand nourishment |
Modifications to design features may be necessary as project development process progresses and engineering is refined.
Protecting the Community and Rail Operations
Coastal Rail Emergency Project
The Coastal Rail Emergency Project is working in four Reinforcement Areas to address threats from slope and beach erosion, which is essential to keeping the community safe and rail operations running smoothly. This work includes reinforcing the track and replenishing sand.
The Coastal Rail Emergency Project is working in four Reinforcement Areas to address threats from slope and beach erosion, which is essential to keeping the community safe and rail operations running smoothly. This work includes reinforcing the track and replenishing sand.
Track protection
Two walls will be constructed within the Reinforcement Areas to protect the track from slope movement and beach erosion. This includes a catchment wall along Mariposa Point and a revetment, or seawall. In addition to the walls, existing riprap will be replaced or repaired within the existing limits along the track.
Two walls will be constructed within the Reinforcement Areas to protect the track from slope movement and beach erosion. This includes a catchment wall along Mariposa Point and a revetment, or seawall. In addition to the walls, existing riprap will be replaced or repaired within the existing limits along the track.
Sand Nourishment
The project is expected to replenish approximately 540,000 cubic yards of sand between North Beach and Mariposa Point and south of San Clemente State Beach. This effort is the largest volume of sand placement planned for San Clemente beaches in a single effort.
The project is expected to replenish approximately 540,000 cubic yards of sand between North Beach and Mariposa Point and south of San Clemente State Beach. This effort is the largest volume of sand placement planned for San Clemente beaches in a single effort.
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.