Train service between Orange and San Diego counties has been suspended for about six weeks due to necessary repairs along the unstable coastline in San Clemente. This area has long posed risks to the railway, prompting crews to take action.
The closure began on Monday and affects Metrolink’s Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County train routes. For the duration of the repairs, trains will only operate between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station and will not reach the southern stops, including San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, San Clemente Pier, and Oceanside. Unfortunately, there will be no bus or detour services available for passengers.
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner service will also face disruptions. However, a replacement bus will run between Irvine and Oceanside, allowing travelers to complete their journeys despite the train service disruptions.
These closures come shortly after transportation officials called for emergency repairs to stabilize four areas that are particularly vulnerable to erosion and landslides above the railroad tracks. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has emphasized the urgency of these repairs to protect the community and ensure safe rail operations.
This section of railway has seen repeated closures over the years due to issues like coastal erosion and landslides. As climate change continues to impact the region, there are growing concerns among advocates and lawmakers about the future of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (Lossan) rail corridor, which is vital for both public transportation and freight services. Despite these concerns, there has been little progress in finding a long-term solution for the corridor.
The current construction in San Clemente is just the first phase of a larger emergency project that OCTA expects to take about a year to finish. Initial work will focus on restoring rock reinforcements along the tracks that have been damaged by waves and erosion. Crews will also place around 240,000 cubic yards of sand to help stabilize the slope and protect the railway.
As the construction progresses, many will be watching closely to see how these efforts will affect rail service in the long term and what additional measures might be needed to secure this critical transportation route.