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.

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.

In January 2024, OCTA published a Coastal Rail Resiliency Study – Initial Assessment Technical Memorandum with the goal of developing alternative concepts for maintaining railroad operations within the existing railroad corridor.

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 OCTA-led Coastal Rail Resiliency Study aims to evaluate and implement strategies to fortify the railway in the vulnerable 7-mile stretch between Dana Point and the San Diego County Line and to keep rail traffic moving through the area for the next 30 years while longer-term solutions are explored.

A full Coastal Commission hearing on additional work areas is expected in early May, with continued coordination to address the most urgent threats identified. While stabilization activities begin with emergency track closures, OCTA continues advancing environmental clearance and long-term coastal resiliency strategies, including sand placement.