Project Overview

The Orange County Transportation Authority, in coordination with Metrolink, is working to stabilize railroad tracks in south San Clemente. The tracks have shown signs of movement as a result of a rapidly eroding coastline, a large slope with a historical landslide that has been activated by development over the years, and significant sand erosion. Passenger rail service through the area has been suspended and freight rail service has been reduced. The purpose of the emergency project is to stabilize the tracks and safely resume service as soon as possible.

Funding

The preliminary Project cost is $12 million based on conceptual design and is subject to change. With the support of the Californian Transportation Commission, OCTA has secured $6 million from the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). In addition, OCTA has secured $6 million from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) to help fund the emergency construction.

Restoring Passenger Service

Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner restarted weekend service Saturday, Feb. 4. Metrolink will continue to operate weekend service but only as far south as the San Clemente Pier Station, and weekday service as far south as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station.

To ensure worker safety and efficient completion of the project, rail service will not operate on the weekdays. For updates on rail services and schedules, visit pacificsurfliner.com/alerts and Service Updates | Metrolink.

Long-Term Solution

OCTA continues to pursue long-term options for protecting the rail line in this area and throughout the Orange County coastal region and will seek input from the public and all stakeholders as it continues to study the issue.