Passenger rail service through San Clemente resumed May 27 after emergency work stabilized a hillside north of the Pier that scattered debris onto the rail right of way below.
Metrolink, which operates regional passenger rail service, and its contractors worked with San Clemente, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, which operates the popular Pacific Surfliner service, and OCTA, owner of the track through Orange County, to clear the way to safely re-establish service on the track.
The rail line reopened at the start of the Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start to summer and a popular time for travel by all modes, including rail.
The halt to passenger service began on April 27, when the slope behind the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens began to slide, prompting the city to start emergency work to stabilize the hillside.
Crews have finished the bulk of that work, and Metrolink has worked with a contractor to clear debris near the track, allowing passenger service to safely resume.
All the partners, including OCTA, San Clemente, Metrolink and LOSSAN, are continuing to work together to coordinate any future work and will keep the public informed of any significant updates.