On April 12, OCTA authorized emergency actions to stabilize sections of railroad track threatened by coastal erosion and landslides in San Clemente, moving forward with urgent work to ensure continued passenger and freight rail operations through South Orange County.
OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson has been authorized to take all necessary steps to protect a vital stretch of track through San Clemente, where recent landslides, beach erosion and degrading riprap pose a serious threat to the rail line. The rail is a vital connection between San Diego County and Orange County – and destinations farther north – for passengers and freight and the movement of military assets.
“This action enables OCTA to act quickly and decisively to protect our coastal rail line,” said OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee, also Orange County’s Fourth District Supervisor. “By advancing this emergency work, we are helping to preserve a critical transportation link for Southern California, the region and beyond.”
The stabilization effort addresses four areas of vulnerability, including the area near Mariposa Point, where debris from recent landslides is nearing the top of the 12-foot-high temporary catchment wall installed last year to prevent slope failure.
The California Coastal Commission on Thursday, April 10, reviewed OCTA’s submission for a permit and issued a partial emergency Coastal Development Permit to stabilize the coastal rail corridor.
While this action is a positive development, it does not include approval for all the elements OCTA has identified as critical to protecting the corridor. OCTA staff and legal counsel are thoroughly reviewing the permit to determine the best path forward.
“Our priority remains clear: to move quickly, make the most of the state and federal funding we’ve already secured, and deliver as much of the needed work as possible, as soon as possible,” CEO Johnson said. “We appreciate the Coastal Commission affirming what we have long recognized – that an emergency exists along this corridor.”
Construction work will require a shutdown of passenger rail so the work can be performed safely and efficiently. When work will begin and the length of a necessary closure has yet to be scheduled. OCTA, which owns the rail line, will continue to work with Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific-Surfliner to keep passengers informed as the schedule is solidified.
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