The Coastal Rail Emergency Project is working in four Reinforcement Areas to address threats from slope and beach erosion, which is essential to keeping the community safe and rail operations running smoothly. This work includes reinforcing the track and replenishing sand.

ORANGE – Passenger rail service through San Clemente will be suspended beginning Monday, April 28, to allow for crews to safely conduct emergency construction aimed at stabilizing sections of track at immediate risk from landslides and coastal erosion.

Passenger rail service through San Clemente has been suspended temporarily to allow crews to safely conduct emergency construction aimed at stabilizing sections of track at immediate risk from landslides and coastal erosion.

OCTA, in coordination with Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, is taking action to protect the only coastal rail link between San Diego and Orange counties, following continued threats from the privately owned bluffs and from coastal erosion and storm surges.

On April 14, the OCTA Board of Directors is expected to consider an action that will allow OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson 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.

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 May 7, the California Coastal Commission approved a request for a Coastal Development Permit to construct a catchment wall at Mariposa Point and restore the pedestrian trail. The permit authorizes the construction of a 1,400-foot-long catchment wall in Area 3, on the inland side of the track.

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.

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.

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.