The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in coordination with Metrolink, is replacing the railroad bridge over San Juan Creek. Built in 1917, the bridge has reached the end of its useful life and will be replaced by a new three-span girder bridge.
The San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project will replace the railroad bridge over San Juan Creek in the City of San Juan Capistrano.
The project will construct a new three-span girder bridge west of the existing bridge. The new bridge will enhance safety, reduce maintenance needs, and meet current design and bridge load standards. The existing bridge will be demolished, and a new foundation and substructure will be installed for a potential future bridge. There are no plans to construct a second bridge but if a need arises, the supporting infrastructure will be in place.
The bridge serves Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner passenger trains, as well as freight trains.
While construction is typically on weekdays, crews are expected to install deck pans and perform other activities from the creek on Saturday, July 19 between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday work will continue through Aug. 9.
Beginning next week, crews will begin mobilizing equipment as they prepare to remove the existing set-out track south of Del Obispo Street. Track removal is anticipated to begin in August and will require a temporary lane closure on Del Obispo Street between Paseo Adelanto and Camino Capistrano. Additional details will be shared in future updates.
Crews have completed the installation of steel girders for the new railroad bridge. The next major work will be placing the deck. The bridge deck, like steel girders, is part of the railroad bridges’ superstructure and will support the tracks and trains. Check out progress photos below.
Crews installing the steel superstructure for the new railroad bridge.
Crews constructing the abutments for the new railroad bridge.
The San Juan Creek Trail is currently closed and is expected to be open by mid-next week. Once the trail reopens, flaggers will intermittingly stop bicyclists and pedestrians while equipment is being moved and construction around the bike path continues.
Weekday closures are from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will reopen at the end of each workday. Trail users are being detoured to Camino Capistrano, Del Obispo Street and the Trabuco Creek Trail.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines require all trains to sound their horns when workers are present, in emergency situations or when there are trespassers on or around railroad tracks. This federal mandate applies to construction zones. As a result, for the safety of construction workers, train crews and passengers, and the public, horns will be sounded when trains pass through the area.
The public and businesses adjacent to the work area may experience noise and vibration from demolition and drilling activities as well as light from construction operations. Noise may also be generated from construction equipment back-up alarm. The alarms are required by state regulation.
The Public Outreach team regularly hosts project information booths at Descanso Park in San Juan Capistrano. In addition, the team participates in community events.
Businesses or civic organizations that would like to receive a project presentation may email the team at SJCBridge@octa.net.
If you have any questions or would like to request information in another language, please contact the Outreach Team at (800) 724-0353 or email SJCBridge@octa.net.
