Inland Slope Rehabilitation Project
OCTA in coordination with Metrolink, is rehabilitating the slope along the railroad in the Cities of Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Niguel. The project will maintain safety and reliability of the railroad infrastructure.
Within OCTA-owned right of way, there are six locations along the railroad experiencing erosion on sloped areas, which pose potential risks to the railroad’s structural integrity. To address this issue, potential remediation strategies include the application of shotcrete to stabilize the slope and ensure long-term stability. Click on the drop-down menu to learn more about the work and respective timelines for each area.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-April and all six areas are anticipated to be completed in Summer 2026. Work hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This work may be loud. Train horns may sound when railroad workers are present in the rail right of way. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.
Crews are beginning work to rehabilitate the slope in three areas along the rail right of way in Lake Forest.
- Areas 1 and 2: Expected to begin as early as Wednesday, May 7 for approximately four weeks
- Area 3: Expected to begin as early as late May for approximately six weeks
Area 2 Ridge Route Drive Detour
Beginning as early as Thursday, May 14, crews are set to remove vegetation and apply concrete to the slope adjacent to the Ridge Route Tunnel Drive. This will require both directions of Ridge Route Drive between Jeronimo Road and Overlake to be intermittently closed to all vehicles and pedestrians during work hours for approximately two weeks.
These daytime closures are expected Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the tunnel reopening at the end of the workday. No weekend work is anticipated, including Mother’s Day weekend or Memorial Day.
Crews are scheduled to construct a drainage channel and rehabilitate the slope along the rail right of way in Laguna Niguel. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-May and last for approximately two months.
Coming soon
Contact the Outreach Team
If you have any questions or would like to request information in another language, contact the Outreach Team at (888) 791-9924 or railimprovements@octa.net.