ORANGE – As part of ongoing efforts to protect a vital rail link in south Orange County, the Orange County Transportation Authority is inviting the public to participate in an online public meeting to learn about and provide feedback on the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study.
Public feedback this summer will help shape draft alternatives and a final feasibility report expected in 2026. A separate effort led by the state will look at solutions beyond the next 30 years, including potentially moving the rail line inland in south Orange County.
Separate from ongoing emergency repairs in San Clemente reinforcement areas, OCTA is studying options for reinforcing the rail line for approximately the next 30 years and needs public input ORANGE – While the Orange County Transportation Authority continues to lead emergency track protection efforts in priority areas along the rail line in San Clemente, work continues on a study of ...
The work and accompanying rail closure are expected to last several weeks, with the goal of service resuming on Monday, Oct. 4. Construction activities will occur during the day to minimize noise impacts; however, nighttime and weekend work may be necessary.
On Monday, the OCTA Board received an update on the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study and an initial assessment that identified sites along the coastal rail line recommended for monitoring and reinforcement to ensure that rail traffic can continue moving without additional interruptions.
Because of the significant slope movement and out of an abundance of caution, the OCTA and Metrolink project team has periodically halted BNSF freight rail traffic, which had been making overnight trips. For the latest updates and background, visit here.
Four priority areas were identified, each requiring tailored responses to protect the rail corridor from progressive and unpredictable coastal hazards. Overall, the work will include approximately 95% sand and 5% riprap where needed to stabilize the slope and protect the track.
Passenger rail service through San Clemente was suspended beginning April 28 to allow for crews to safely conduct emergency work to reinforce sections of track at immediate risk from landslides and coastal erosion.
Each girder measures roughly 65 feet and weighs 38,500 pounds. Their combined weight is approximately one miillion pounds - the equivalant of 40 school buses or three blue whales. Throughout construction, the railway access remains open with no travel disruption to commuters.
Crews have finished clearing out the remaining spans of a damaged pedestrian bridge near Mariposa Point and continue strategically placing and repairing riprap primarily within the area where riprap previously existed to fortify the track and protect against coastal erosion.