Permit marks an important step toward protecting a vital transportation connection and placing approximately 690,000 cubic yards of sand on local beaches
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority appreciates the California Coastal Commission’s unanimous approval Thursday of a permit to protect the coastal rail corridor through San Clemente, including placing sand on local beaches, allowing critical protection efforts to move forward.
“We thank the Commission for its approval and the work of Executive Director Dr. Kate Huckelbridge and Commission staff toward our shared goal of protecting the coast while keeping rail service safe and reliable,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico, also a Dana Point Council member. “This decision provides a path forward to protect an essential transportation connection.”
The permit advances shoreline protection and sand nourishment as part of OCTA’s effort to protect the rail line, while protecting the environment. The program addresses four vulnerable areas in San Clemente through repairs to existing rock protection, engineered shoreline protection, sand placement and a recently completed catchment wall and Beach Trail restoration at Mariposa Point.
The rail line through San Clemente, owned by OCTA, has experienced repeated landslides from privately owned bluffs near the tracks and damaging waves from the coastal side that have forced repeated interruptions to passenger rail service since 2021. OCTA has been working with its local, state and federal partners on an emergency basis to secure the rail line for essential passenger, freight and military asset movement.
“Today’s unanimous approval from the California Coastal Commission marks a major milestone to save our critical coastal rail corridor and restore San Clemente’s iconic beaches following decades of erosion and inaction,” said OCTA Director Katrina Foley, also Orange County’s Fifth District Supervisor. “The placement of 690,000 cubic yards of sand represents the region’s largest beach nourishment effort in decades and demonstrates our commitment to long-term coastal resilience.
“Wide sandy beaches provide a natural buffer for our rail corridor while protecting our coastline, expanding public access, and supporting our local economy,” Foley continued. “Through continued collaboration with our state, regional, and local partners, we will advance lasting solutions that protect our beaches and preserve this vital transportation corridor for future generations.”
The Commission’s approval includes amended conditions, including a 10-year permit term and a five-year check-in. OCTA is reviewing those conditions and their implications for project implementation, long-term maintenance and funding, while continuing to responsibly manage transportation dollars and protect coastal resources.
“For years, OCTA has worked to keep this critical rail corridor operating while addressing coastal erosion, bluff failures and high tides, challenges affecting communities along the California coastline,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Commission and other partners to advance solutions that preserve rail service and at the same time protect the coast and public access. We will work closely with the Commission and its staff on the integration of the amended conditions into our project.”
OCTA also thanks the California State Transportation Agency and the Federal Railroad Administration for their continued support and partnership in protecting this vital rail corridor. OCTA will continue coordinating with local, state and federal partners and the community to advance the work while protecting the environment.
OCTA has secured approximately $305 million in state and federal funding for the priority projects, including approximately $100 million committed to sand and public access. The work helps protect the only direct rail connection between San Diego County and points north, supporting Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner passengers, freight movement and national defense needs.
