Severe Waves Prompt Temporary Closure of Coastal Rail Line in San Clemente

Crews continue emergency repairs; previously scheduled weekend work window will close tracks for the weekend

ORANGE - Continued high tides and powerful wave activity along the San Clemente coastline have prompted the temporary closure of the coastal rail line after additional erosion and slope damage were observed near the tracks Monday night.

Waves overtopped the tracks in the affected area and caused further deterioration along the adjacent slope, including damage to some previously placed protective rock. The rail line closed so crews could safely assess conditions and perform additional emergency stabilization.

Crews are continuing repairs and will remain on site to monitor the coastline as elevated tides continue. Severe high tides are expected through at least Thursday, and additional protective work will be performed as conditions allow.

The current closure affects Metrolink, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and freight rail operations through the area. During the closure, Metrolink is operating as far south as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station. Pacific Surfliner is operating as far south as San Juan Capistrano and providing a bus bridge between Irvine and Oceanside.

No timeline for reopening is known at this time.

Previously scheduled rail construction and maintenance activities are also scheduled to close the rail line on Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13.

OCTA and its rail partners have been closely monitoring this section of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor as repeated high tides and wave activity have affected the coastline in recent days. Crews have performed emergency stabilization work, including placement of additional riprap, to help protect the track and adjacent slope.

The coastal rail line through San Clemente is part of the 351-mile LOSSAN Rail Corridor connecting San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles and communities farther north. It serves passenger and freight operations and is a critical transportation link for Southern California.

OCTA also continues working with the state and local partners on longer-term planning to improve the resiliency of the coastal rail corridor in south Orange County while advancing near-term stabilization and sand placement efforts to help protect the existing rail line.

Passengers are encouraged to check MetrolinkTrains.com and PacificSurfliner.com/Alerts for the latest service information before traveling. OCTA will continue coordinating with its rail partners, contractors and track inspectors and will provide additional updates as conditions change and more information becomes available.

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