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.

The work is necessary to address urgent threats from slope and beach erosion and to protect the community, rail passengers and overall rail operations.

Earlier this month, Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner resumed service following OCTA’s emergency construction work to stop slope movement and stabilize the tracks in south San Clemente.

ORANGE – With ongoing threats to a critical link in Southern California’s rail network, the Orange County Transportation Authority today 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.

pdf OCTA Board Authorizes Emergency Rail Stabilization Work in South Orange County April 14, 2025

Emergency work to stabilize the railroad track in southern San Clemente is progressing. The stabilization work includes installing two rows of ground anchors into bedrock along a 700-foot stretch of hillside next to the train tracks.

The Orange County Transportation Authority, in coordination with Metrolink, has completed emergency work to stabilize the railroad tracks in San Clemente. The emergency fix, which began in October 2022, included installing 220 ground anchors – each 133 feet long – into the bedrock below, securing two rows of 110 grade beams that helped ...

OCTA continues to make significant progress on projects and programs funded by Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. Measure M is also known as OC Go. Among the highlights: The I-5 South County Improvements Project is on track to be completed in early 2025.

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Monday 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.

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.