Coastal Rail Emergency Projects
Coastal Rail Emergency Project – Areas 1 and 2
These areas were completed in June 2025.
Project Overview
OCTA and Metrolink strategically placed large boulders, also known as riprap, between North Beach and Mariposa Point to protect the tracks. Approximately 5,900 tons of riprap were installed within the same riprap footprint. The quantity was more than 1,700 tons less than the original construction estimate of 7,650 tons. This reduction was achieved through efficient use and reorganization of existing riprap, allowing the project team to reinforce the track using less new material while still meeting safety and stabilization goals.
The remaining spans of the San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail were also removed. The Beach Trail is being reconstructed as part of Area 3 construction.
Photos Before and After
Sand Nourishment
OCTA marked a key milestone in its ongoing effort to protect the coastal rail line with an initial sand nourishment at North Beach in September 2025. This was a first step in OCTA’s broader plan to place up to 540,000 cubic yards of sand along the coastal rail line in San Clemente, pending sand sourcing and additional state and federal permitting approvals.
More than 300 truckloads of sand from a quarry in Palm Springs, totaling approximately 3,200-3,500 cubic yards of sand will be delivered to be placed along a 1,400-foot span of beach through mid-September.
The sand project is expected to take up to two weeks to complete. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The contractor has constructed a temporary crossing that is being used as an access route to transport sand to the beach. Part of the North Beach parking lot has been temporarily fenced off for the duration of the project to allow equipment and materials to be stored.
Train horns may be sounded. The Federal Railroad Administration guidelines require all trains to sound their horns when workers are present, in emergency situations, or when there are trespassers on or around the tracks.
