Following a review of the Draft Coastal Rail Resiliency Feasibility Report, OCTA will continue coordinating with stakeholders, regulatory agencies and the public before the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study is finalized later this year.
Launched in late 2023, the study is evaluating strategies to help protect approximately 7 miles of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor through Dana Point and San Clemente and maintain safe and reliable passenger and freight rail operations for up to the next 30 years. A separate state-led effort will examine longer-term solutions.
“This is an important step toward identifying practical solutions that can help protect this critical rail corridor while continuing to incorporate input from residents, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico, also a Dana Point council member. “We remain committed to advancing solutions that support safe and reliable rail service while continuing to be a partner in broader coastal resiliency planning efforts.”
The Draft Feasibility Report does not identify a single preferred project for the entire corridor. Instead, it provides a technical foundation for future project development and a toolbox of potentially feasible rail, bluffside and beachside concepts that could be applied based on conditions at specific locations.
After evaluating 23 concepts and considering technical analysis and feedback, the study carried forward several approaches. These include rail and bluff improvements, as well as beachside concepts that include sand placement and, depending on location, could include repairing or restoring existing riprap, engineered revetments, seawalls or combinations of those approaches.
Any future project would require additional engineering and alternatives analysis, environmental review, public engagement, regulatory approvals and identified funding before construction could proceed.