An extended closure of railroad tracks between Mission Viejo/Laguna Niguel and Oceanside is underway so construction crews can work to stabilize tracks south of the San Clemente Pier Station.
During the emergency work that began September 16, various sizes of rock, called riprap, will be placed on the ocean side of the rail line as a temporary measure to assist with stabilization to preserve passenger rail service through the area.
All train traffic has been temporarily halted through the area during the work window. The work and accompanying rail closure are expected to last several weeks, with the goal of service resuming on Monday, Oct. 4.
Construction activities will occur during the day to minimize noise impacts; however, nighttime and weekend work may be necessary.
All Metrolink service is suspended south of the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station while the work is completed. No bus bridges for Metrolink service are planned. Metrolink passengers are urged to plan for alternate transportation during the closure.
During the closure, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner will run bus bridges between Oceanside and Irvine.
Rail passengers are advised to check with Metrolink and Amtrak customer service and look for relevant updates online and social media. More info is available at www.metrolinktrains.com and www.pacificsurfliner.com.
Passengers are being notified by email, social media and station announcements.
OCTA is working with Metrolink, Amtrak, BNSF, city of San Clemente, the California Coastal Commission and Army Corps of Engineers to stabilize the tracks in the area.
OCTA will continue to coordinate with all agencies, as necessary, with the shared focus on public safety and maintaining a critical component of our transportation infrastructure on the second busiest passenger rail corridor in the nation.