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.

Construction Schedule

Crews are expected to continue working extended hours for the next two weeks to maintain project progress and advance construction throughout the project area.

Work hours will be Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Lighting equipment may be used the project area to allow crews to safely perform the work. No nighttime material deliveries are expected.

Passenger Rail Service Update

Due to high tides along the rail corridor, Metrolink passenger rail service through San Clemente will be temporarily suspended beginning Monday, Aug. 10 through Friday, Aug. 14.

During this time, no train service or alternate transportation will be available between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and freight trains will continue operating through the area. For the latest updates and additional information, visit the Metrolink website.

Construction Activities

The project reached another major milestone with the completion of verdura wall tile installation throughout the project area.

Construction activities are continuing with concrete pours at the pedestrian bridge and verdura wall, as well as drilling operations for handrails along the new pedestrian trail

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

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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