Coastal erosion in San Clemente is caused by a lack of sand supply and slope failure. The erosion has become an all-too-familiar story in recent years along Southern California’s coast, with shrinking beaches bringing nearby infrastructure – homes, roads, trails, railways, utilities – much closer to the ocean tides. ...

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has submitted an Emergency Coastal Development Permit application to the California Coastal Commission to advance four emergency projects that will immediately protect a critical link in the state’s rail network.

On April 14, the OCTA Board is expected to consider an action that will allow the CEO to enter into emergency contracting agreements to expedite work on the four Coastal Rail Stabilization Priority Projects that were identified in 2024 as most vulnerable.

This funding will help OCTA deliver critical improvements and implement protective measures along the Orange County coastal section of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor, enhancing the safety and reliability of one of the nation’s busiest rail corridors.

Coastal erosion in San Clemente is caused by a lack of sand supply and slope failure. The erosion has become an all-too-familiar story in recent years along Southern California’s coast, with shrinking beaches bringing nearby infrastructure – homes, roads, trails, railways, utilities – much closer to the ocean tides.

Permit to the California Coastal Commission to expedite work to stabilize four areas most vulnerable to failure above the railroad track through San Clemente. This effort allows OCTA to take immediate steps to protect a critical link in the state’s rail

OCTA owns the track through San Clemente and worked in partnership with Metrolink, which operates regional passenger rail service, to build a 200-foot-long wall at Mariposa Point, to safely re-establish service on the track. Metrolink and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, operator of Pacific Surfliner, resumed full service Monday morning.

The Coastal Rail Resiliency Study (CRRS) will evaluate strategies to protect the railroad in place for up to 30 years and ensure uninterrupted rail operations while minimizing passenger and freight service disruptions.

OCTA is steadfast in its commitment to protecting Orange County’s coastal rail corridor through strategic, data-driven solutions to ensure continued reliability and resilience of one of the nation’s busiest rail corridors.

On March 31, OCTA submitted an Emergency Coastal Development Permit to the California Coastal Commission to expedite work to stabilize four areas most vulnerable to failure above the railroad track through San Clemente. This effort allows OCTA to take immediate steps to protect a critical link in the state’s rail network.