Project Details

The Coastal Rail Emergency Project – Area 3 is constructing a 1,400-foot-long catchment wall on the bluff side of the tracks at Mariposa Point. The wall will extend from the El Portal Beach access point to Linda Lane. The San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail will also be restored as part of this project.

The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.

Upcoming Absolute Work Window (AWW) Saturday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 13

What: Crews are expected to remove the temporary K-rail barriers adjacent to the rail right of way. Construction equipment and the barriers will be transported via rail.

Construction activities will occur during an Absolute Work Window (AWW), when regular train service is suspended to safely and efficiently allow crews to perform work within the rail corridor.

When: Saturday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 13

Passenger Rail Service: Metrolink and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner service will be suspend in this area for crews to safely perform work along the track. For updates on passenger rail service, visit the Metrolink or Pacific Surfliner service advisory pages.

This work may be loud. Residents may hear construction equipment and crane operations throughout the work window. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.

Construction Activities

Crews continue construction activities throughout the project area as work progresses on the San Clemente Pedestrian Trail.

Current activities include fine grading along the slopes and pedestrian trail, as well as installing hand rails along the new trail.

In early September, crews are expected to begin installation of irrigation and landscaping throughout the project area.

Beach Access During Construction

For the safety of the public and construction crews, the project area between El Portal and Linda Lane remains closed.

Community members are encouraged to use the designated beach access routes and not enter the active construction area.

San Clemente Beach Trail

The San Clemente Beach Trail will be closed from the North Beach parking lot to El Portal during work hours but will reopen at the end of each workday and will be open on Sundays. The trail will be closed from El Portal to Linda Lane until project completion.

As part of the Coastal Rail Emergency Project, the San Clemente Beach Trail is being restored and is expected to reopen to the public upon project completion in Fall 2026. For additional information about the trail improvements and project features, check out our Trail Benefits Flyer.

Rendering of San Clemente Beach Trail

Beach Access

The Mariposa underpass is closed. Beach access at Dije Court and El Portal are temporarily closed to ensure the safety of the public. The public can still access the beach using the El Portal beach underpass and the Linda Lane beach underpass.

View our interactive map for current beach access closures and detour routes.

Staging Areas

Contractors are staging equipment and materials in the North Beach parking lot and on a city-owned vacant lot at the corner of Avenida Estacion and Calle Deshecha.

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