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.
Construction continues on four retaining walls around San Juan Creek Trail that are needed to support the new railroad bridge. This operation required a series of drilling and concrete pours to install steel beams, also referred to as piles, which was completed in January. Crews have begun installing concrete panels that will be placed between the piles and will continue this work through March.
All four walls are expected to be completed in late 2025.
Retaining wall panels being delivered to the construction site.
Crews installing retaining wall panels.
A segment of the San Juan Creek Trail will be closed intermittently beginning as soon as Monday, March 24 and continuing through Tuesday, April 1 to allow crews to continue constructing retaining walls adjacent to the trail. To accommodate this activity, pedestrians and bicyclists will be briefly stopped by flaggers until the trail is clear.
This work may be loud. Schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.
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 alarms. 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.
