Crews continue to strategically place riprap to protect the rail line while pursuing options for sand; work moves ahead on schedule
ORANGE – Crews made significant progress this week in the ongoing emergency work to stabilize the coastal rail line in San Clemente, which is scheduled to remain closed to passenger rail service for approximately five more weeks.
Crews are focused on the most vulnerable areas in San Clemente to reinforce the coastal rail line and protect it from the effects of sliding bluffs and coastal erosion. Significant progress has been on work to repair riprap in Area 1.
The bulk of this week’s work consisted of removing the remaining spans of the city’s damaged Mariposa Point pedestrian bridge in Area 3. Each steel span was approximately 80 feet long and weighed 20,000 pounds.
Excavators were positioned on the beach and inland side of the track to begin repairing and reinforcing damaged riprap. The rocks are being strategically sorted and placed primarily within the area where riprap previously existed. That work will continue in Areas 1 and 2 through the weekend and throughout next week, typically between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.
At the same time, the Orange County Transportation Authority, which is leading the project, is working to source 240,000 cubic yards of sand as part of the project that will be placed in Areas 1 and 2 north of Mariposa Point.
At its May 7 meeting, the California Coastal Commission will consider OCTA’s proposal to construct a new catchment wall at Mariposa Point in Area 3 and restore the pedestrian beach trail.
Background:
Passenger rail service through San Clemente was suspended beginning April 28 to allow for crews to safely conduct emergency work to reinforce sections of track at immediate risk from landslides and coastal erosion.
The rail line is expected to be shut down for passenger service for a total of approximately six weeks, through early June. OCTA, in coordination with Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, is taking action to protect the only coastal rail link between San Diego and Orange counties, following continued threats from the privately owned bluffs and from coastal erosion and storm surges.
Over the past four years, San Clemente’s eroding bluffs – on both city and private property – have repeatedly forced the closure of the rail line that has operated largely uninterrupted for more than 125 years.
During the closure, passengers are asked to check metrolinktrains.com/service-updates and www.pacificsurfliner.com/alerts for the latest service updates.
For the latest on the project, visit www.octa.net/railemergency.
OCTA submitted an emergency Coastal Development Permit application to the Coastal Commission that was partially approved in April. The total package of projects estimated at approximately $300 million includes approximately 95% sand and 5% armoring.
The current work, estimated to cost approximately $10 million, is moving forward under emergency authorization from the California Coastal Commission.
