A popular stretch of the San Clemente Beach Trail reopened Friday, Oct. 9, following completion of a major OCTA-led project that protects the coastal rail line while restoring an important recreational connection for the community.
OCTA joined U.S. Representative Mike Levin, State Senator Tony Strickland, Assembly Member Laurie Davies, state transportation and natural resources officials, Orange County Supervisor and OCTA Director Katrina Foley, and San Clemente Mayor Rick Loeffler to celebrate the reopening near Mariposa Point.
The approximately $93 million project includes a nearly 1,400-foot catchment wall designed to protect the railroad tracks from falling rocks and debris. Crews completed the work in a challenging environment where the coastal bluff, railroad, pedestrian trail and ocean converge.
“This is a great day for San Clemente and for everyone who values this beautiful coastline,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. “We’re delivering on our commitment to protect a vital rail connection while returning an important community amenity to the public. This project also demonstrates what we can accomplish when OCTA, the city, state and federal agencies and the community work together toward a common goal.”
A January 2024 landslide damaged the railroad and destroyed a pedestrian trail bridge, interrupting rail service and public access. OCTA and Metrolink constructed an initial protective wall, allowing regular passenger service to resume in March 2024.
The newly completed project provides more extensive protection and restores the beach trail, with portions elevated approximately 10 feet to enhance ocean views. Improvements include a new pedestrian bridge over the Mariposa Channel, fencing, landscaping and a retaining wall featuring approximately 8,600 interlocking tiles.
The LOSSAN Rail Corridor serves Metrolink, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, freight and military transportation. Since 2021, bluff failures, erosion and deteriorating shoreline protection have repeatedly disrupted rail service through San Clemente.
“This project represents exactly the kind of progress we want to keep making in San Clemente – taking action now to protect the rail corridor while working closely with the city and community to preserve access to the coast,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “We’re grateful to everyone who helped make today possible, especially the crews who worked in a very challenging coastal environment to deliver stronger public infrastructure and a restored trail for the community.”