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 .

Emergency action is necessary to address urgent threats from slope and beach erosion and to protect the community , rail passengers and overall rail operations . The work is projected to include approximately 95 % sand and 5 % rock reinforcement , known as riprap , only to be placed where needed to stabilize the slope and protect the track .

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 .

Overall , the work will include approximately 95 % sand and 5 % riprap where needed to stabilize the slope and protect the track . OCTA ’ s effort is the largest volume of sand ever placed on San Clemente beaches in a single effort to protect the rail line and stabilize the coastline . The complete work OCTA has proposed includes :

OCTA submitted an Emergency Coastal Development Permit to quickly stabilize vulnerable areas near the San Clemente track .

OCTA ’ s overall stabilization work will include approximately 95 % sand and 5 % riprap , only where needed to stabilize the slope and protect the track . OCTA ’ s effort is the largest volume of sand ever placed on San Clemente beaches in a single effort to protect the rail line and stabilize the coastline .

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 .

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 .

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 .

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is taking another decisive step in the ongoing effort to protect and stabilize the coastal rail line through San Clemente to help ensure safe and uninterrupted rail service .