As a part of Coastal Rail Resiliency Study, OCTA completed an Initial Assessment in January 2024 that identified four areas – called Reinforcement Areas – that require immediate action to ensure safe and uninterrupted rail operations through San Clemente because of unstable slopes and beach 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.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has identified a need for companies that services in offshore sand dredging and sand placement at specified locations for its the Coastal Rail Stabilization Priority Projects in Orange County.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is seeking insight from qualified firms regarding potential solutions and industry best practices related to the dredging and placement of sand for the coastal rail stabilization priority projects.

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.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in coordination with Metrolink, is taking emergency action to advance emergency projects in San Clemente that will immediately protect a critical link in the state’s rail network.

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.

Approximately 240,000 cubic yards of sand will also be placed on the beach in Areas 1 and 2 between Mariposa Point and North Beach. The California Coastal Commission earlier this month granted the Orange County Transportation Authority, which owns the coastal rail line and is leading the project, a permit to build a 1,400-foot-long catchment ...

In south Orange County, tracks run along the beach, sandwiched between bluffs and the ocean. Most of this beachside rail line is approximately 200 feet or less from the coastline. Disruption due to heavy rains and flooding. Brief closures due to flooding and cliff failure. New “Surf Line” passenger rail service launches.

A plan for working with local, state and federal partners to further study and understand the issues behind the coastal erosion also calls for seeking necessary funding for lasting solutions to keep rail traffic safely moving between San Diego and Orange counties, and destinations further north.