ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Today, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, who serves as a Director of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), released a statement on OCTA and Metrolink’s emergency rail stabilization efforts in response to the land movement beneath the Mariposa pedestrian and bike bridge last week.
“Ahead of the upcoming storms today and this weekend, I remain grateful to OCTA and Metrolink crews for continuing to work quickly and safely to slow the hillside movement,” said Supervisor Foley. “With the anticipated heavy rains this weekend, I encourage residents and visitors to take precautions when traveling through the region as well as prepare to protect their properties from flooding. The County is prepared to mobilize emergency crews and resources to help residents and keep roadways open.”
Emergency Rail Stabilization Update:
As of this week, OCTA and Metrolink crews continue to work on the hillside above the City of San Clemente-owned Mariposa Pedestrian Bridge which sits immediate next to and on OCTA railroad right-of-way. In preparation for the expected rains, the slope has been covered with visqueen plastic to minimize surface water infiltration.
The hillside is continuing to move but has slowed significantly. Last Thursday two sections of the bridge, each weighing approximately 24,000 pounds were removed, which has allowed the project team access to the bluff to stabilize the hillside and create efficient water drainage.
OC Public Works Preparation Update:
OC Public Works will have crews and equipment ready to respond to rain-related issues in order to keep roadways open.
Residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Remove or secure loose, lightweight items on your property that can flow into gutters and clog storm drains, potential causing flooding.
- Stay out of creeks and riverbeds during rain storms, as they become very dangerous with increasing amounts of water that move very quickly.
- Do not attempt to walk or drive through pooling water, especially if you can’t determine the depth of water. Just a few inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
For sandbag information, visit https://bit.ly/3CovB7r
For storm-related resources, visit our Storm Center at www.OCStormCenter.com
For general flood protection information, visit https://ocip.ocpublicworks.com/be-flood-ready
Orange County Fire Authority Preparation Update:
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will staff additional resources for 48 hours starting 0800, on February 1, 2024:
- One (1) Strike Team T3 -OES Local Government Engines
- Staging Location: North Net Training Center
- Two (2) ORC Swift Water Rescue Teams -FS 58/79
- One (1) ORC Helicopter Rescuer.
- Two (2) ORC Fire Dozers
- One (1) ORC Handcrew
OCFA will continue to monitor the weather, incidents, and resources to determine if additional staffing will be necessary.
Passenger Service Update:
Metrolink passenger rail service remains suspended between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station and Oceanside during the week with a timeline left to be determined. Metrolink passengers traveling between Laguna Niguel and Oceanside are encouraged to make other travel arrangements at this time.
Pacific Surfliner offers passenger rail service through San Juan Capistrano while providing a connecting bus between Irvine and Oceanside. Due to limited seating, a reservation is required. Learn more here.
Metrolink and Amtrak will continue to provide passengers with the latest information at metrolinktrains.com/service-update and pacificsurfliner.com/alerts.
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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Supervisor Foley’s Board appointments include the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), OCFA Legislation & Public Affairs Committee Chair, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee Vice Chair, Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Environmental Committee, Coastal Greenbelt Authority, Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees, Ocean Institute, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel, Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition Co-Chair, Orange County Housing Finance Trust Chair, and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
