ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Today, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley released a statement regarding the impacts of the storm moving through Southern California on the emergency rail stabilization work in San Clemente by the Mariposa pedestrian bridge (Milepost 204.2). The Mariposa Point slope continues to move toward the track at an accelerated rate and the OCTA and Metrolink team projects that soil and debris from the slope could reach the rail right-of-way tonight.
“Due to the heavy rains over the last few days, we expect soil and debris beneath the Mariposa bridge to slide onto the railroad tracks tonight,” said Supervisor Foley. “Although this is a setback, it further proves the importance of long and near-term rail stabilization solutions. With climate change and coastal erosion affecting our coastline, we cannot afford to keep delaying action. I remain in constant contact with the OCTA and Metrolink crews monitoring the slope movement at Mariposa bridge and along Orange County’s vulnerable coastline.”
BNSF will not run trains tonight because of the threat of debris reaching the tracks.
The OCTA and Metrolink team will reassess the slope movement and inspect the track again in the morning.
Regarding funding, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) is expected to finalize authorization of OCTA’s $2 million request to support the debris removal and other pre-construction services. We very much appreciate Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency declaration, the state’s quick response and ongoing support.
For daily updates, visit https://www.octa.net/railupdates.
Passenger Service Update:
Metrolink passenger rail service remains suspended between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station and Oceanside during the week with weekend service to San Juan Capistrano. 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.
Pacific Surfliner trains may be subject to additional delays and cancellations without prior notice depending on local weather conditions. To check the status of a Pacific Surfliner train, visit this link and click on “Train Status” in the upper right hand corner of the page.
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.
