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SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Passenger rail service through San Clemente will be suspended for approximately six weeks starting Monday, April 28, as crews begin emergency construction to stabilize sections of track threatened by landslides and coastal erosion.
The closure will affect all riders attempting to travel north from Oceanside into Orange County and Los Angeles.
Those still looking to take the train will be required to take a bus from Oceanside to the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station Monday through Sunday.
The Orange County Transportation Authority, in coordination with Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, announced the closure to protect the only coastal rail link between San Diego and Orange counties. The affected area, part of the Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN), has experienced significant damage from recent landslides, prompting urgent repairs.
“This temporary closure allows our teams to safely carry out urgent reinforcement work to protect rail passengers, freight operations, and public safety,” said Doug Chaffee, OCTA and Metrolink chair and Orange County’s Fourth District supervisor. “While we recognize the inconvenience, this action is necessary to preserve the long-term integrity of this vital rail link.”
Emergency construction will focus on three key locations in San Clemente. Crews will repair and reinforce coastal protection using approximately 8,150 tons of riprap and up to 540,000 cubic yards of sand, the most considerable single sand placement effort on San Clemente beaches.
The project also includes building a 1,400-foot catchment wall near Mariposa Point to contain debris from recent and ongoing landslides, restoring pedestrian access along affected coastal trails, and coordinating with state and federal agencies to obtain permits and funding for long-term shoreline protection.
Work is proceeding under a partial emergency Coastal Development Permit from the California Coastal Commission, with a full hearing on additional work areas expected in early May. OCTA will continue to provide updates on service restoration, construction progress, and the impact on beach access.
During this closure Amtrak is running five daily buses between Oceanside and Irvine. Oceanside departures are at 6:35 AM, 8:25, 12:05, 4:30, and 8 PM. From Irvine, buses leave at 7:25 AM, 11:25, 1:25, 6:25, and 9:25 PM. Each bus ride adds about 30 minutes to your normal travel time
For more information, visit the OCTA website.
