Keeping passenger safety as the top priority, all passenger and freight train service between Orange and San Diego counties remains halted until further notice because of debris falling from a slope next to the track north of the San Clemente Pier.
Metrolink weekday service is scheduled to run only as far as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station. Pacific Surfliner service runs as far as Irvine, then a bus will provide bus transit to Oceanside. From Oceanside, riders can continue to ride Pacific Surfliner to San Diego.
OCTA, which owns the track through Orange County, is working with Metrolink, geotechnical experts, and the city of San Clemente to determine next steps for when the track can safely be reopened. Because it is a rapidly changing situation, no timeline has been set.
The track will only be reopened when it is safe for passengers.
The track closure began after crews observed debris from the hillside below the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens falling near the track. San Clemente is monitoring the slope and communicating conditions to other involved parties.
The location of the falling debris is approximately 2 miles north of where OCTA is completing construction work near the Cyprus Shore Homeowners Association in San Clemente. This instance of falling debris from the hillside is unrelated.