Passenger rail service through San Clemente will be suspended for six weeks starting Monday as emergency crews address landslide threats and coastal erosion endangering the tracks. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Rail service through San Clemente is suspended for six weeks starting Monday due to landslide threats. Emergency stabilization efforts are underway to ensure passenger safety and infrastructure integrity.
A Pacific Surfliner train passes through San Clemente toward the seaside town’s pier.
(Jonathan George/Getty Images / iStockphoto)

Emergency Measures to Restore Rail Service

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has initiated critical stabilization work to protect the rail corridor. Crews will install 8,150 tons of riprap and deposit up to 540,000 cubic yards of sand to reinforce the bluffs and restore the beach area.

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A 1,400-foot debris catchment wall will be constructed, and a damaged pedestrian bridge will be removed to prevent further disruptions. Additionally, coastal trail access will be restored to maintain community connectivity.

Metrolink will continue weekday service up to Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and weekend service to San Juan Capistrano. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will operate with bus connections between Irvine and Oceanside to accommodate passengers during the suspension.

Long-Term Solutions for Rail Service Stability

San Clemente has experienced frequent rail service interruptions due to landslides and erosion. In January 2024, a pedestrian bridge collapse led to a complete halt in rail operations. Officials attribute these issues to climate change and insufficient preventive measures.

OCTA’s Coastal Rail Resiliency Study identified four critical areas requiring immediate attention to ensure uninterrupted rail service. Emergency projects are progressing independently of the broader study, with construction expected to commence this month. Each project will follow its own timeline based on complexity and resource availability.

By implementing these measures, authorities aim to secure the rail infrastructure and minimize future disruptions, ensuring reliable transportation along Southern California’s coast.

Source: ktla.com

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