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 is replacing the railroad bridge over San Juan Creek in the City of San Juan Capistrano.
The project is constructing 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.
The new railroad bridge over the San Juan Creek is scheduled to be operational on Monday Oct. 27.
This milestone marks a significant step toward enhancing safety and reducing maintenance needs along this vital rail corridor.
Once train service is switched over to the new bridge, the existing bridge will be demolished. A new foundation and substructure will be constructed in its place for a potential future second bridge. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.
WHAT: Prior to service on the new railroad bridge, crews will be performing signal and track testing, which will require test trains to continuously run through the following five railroad crossings in San Juan Capistrano at 15-30-minute intervals:
Passenger rail service on the Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines will be suspended that weekend for uninterrupted construction.
WHEN: Beginning as soon as 3 p.m., Sunday Oct. 26 to 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27
This work may be loud. This schedule is subject to change due to change of weather or unforeseen operational issues. Train horns will be sounded.
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.
