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 is expected to remain suspended until early June. Over the past four years, San Clemente’s eroding bluffs – on both city and private property – have repeatedly forced the closure of the rail line that has operated largely uninterrupted for more than 125 years.

Following multiple listening sessions, OCTA Board feedback, and other stakeholder input, OCTA unveils updated plans that include sand nourishment, rock revetment, and a wall to protect the most vulnerable section of rail line through San Clemente.

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.

OCTA has updated its potential solutions to address immediate threats to rail service through San Clemente, and sand nourishment – always under consideration – is a key piece in the coastal rail protection puzzle.

OCTA expects to place approximately 540,000 cubic yards of sand. Emergency action is necessary to prevent additional disruption of vital rail service. In addition, continued erosion requires quick action to repair and replace existing riprap, and deliver enough sand to help protect the tracks.

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.

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.

Approximately 240,000 cubic yards of sand will also be placed on the beach between Mariposa Point and North Beach. ... have repeatedly forced the closure of the rail line that has operated largely uninterrupted for more than 125 years. For the latest on the project information, ...

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Monday authorized emergency actions to stabilize sections of railroad track threatened by coastal erosion and landslides in San Clemente, moving forward with urgent work to ensure continued passenger and freight rail operations through South Orange County.