Coastal Rail Emergency Projects 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.
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.
During the past few weeks, OCTA has secured a total of $305 million from state and federal sources to advance immediate coastal stabilization efforts on the rail corridor where it runs along the vulnerable coastline through San Clemente.
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.
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.
As OCTA nears completion on emergency work to stabilize railroad tracks in San Clemente, the agency and its partners continue to push forward on finding longer-term solutions to protect the vital coastal rail line.
The Orange County Transportation Authority has submitted an Emergency Coastal Develop Permit to the California Coastal Commission to start work that will help ensure uninterrupted rail service.
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.
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.
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority has secured essential funding this month from state and federal partners that will advance vital enhancements to help stabilize the rail corridor where it runs along the vulnerable coastline through San Clemente.