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.
Sheet Pile Installation
Beginning as early as Monday, July 13, crews are expected to install steel beams, also referred to as "sheet piles." This work involves drilling the sheet piles along the slope embankment within San Juan Creek using vibratory and diesel hammers.
The surrounding community may be impacted by noise and vibration from this activity. This work is expected to be ongoing through September during work hours, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Concrete Pours
Additionally, work on the second foundation continues with a series of rebar installation and concrete pours occurring through the summer.
Concrete trucks will access the work area via Camino Capistrano and exit via Stonehill Drive. Water trucks are being deployed along this route to mitigate dust.
This work may be loud. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.
Drone footage of bridge removal activities
Crews installing rebar – July 2026
Crews conducting digging and excavation activities – June 2026
Crews working on the second foundation – June 2026
Crews placing rebar – June 2026
Excavation activities – June 2026
Rebar Cage Testing activities – June 2026
Concrete pouring activities – June 2026
Crews removing temporary steel casing – June 2026
Crews conducting excavation activities – May 2026
Aerial view of bridge construction activities – May 2026
Crews conducting steel cage placement – May 2026
Crews installing rebar cages – May 2026
Crews concrete pour activities – May 2026
Crews delivering rebar cages for pile installation – May 2026
Crews conducting excavation activities – May 2026
Crews installing a steel casing – May 2026
Crews delivering backfill – May 2026
Crews working in the creek – April 2026
Old railroad bridge demolition activites – April 2026
Aerial view of bridge girder removal – April 2026
Aerial view of bridge girder removal – April 2026
Aerial view of bridge girder removal – April 2026
Deck removal Activities – March 2026
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.
