RAIL SERVICE REMAINS DISRUPTED BETWEEN SAN DIEGO AND ORANGE COUNTY

East County News Service

May 16, 2023 (San Diego) – Rail service remains suspended between San Diego and Orange County,  more than two weeks after debris from slope movement in San Clemente near Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens was spotted near the track by crews. Train service has been shut down in the area since May 28.

 “We at OCTA will continue to work with Metrolink and the LOSSAN Rail Agency to determine when passenger service can safely resume, when the city’s work is complete,” Eric Carpenter with Orange County  Transportation Authority told  East County Magazine today.

Pacific Surfliner service between Irvine and  San Diego is halted, though limited train service to San Juan Capistrano remains available. Efforts are underway to secure busses to transport passengers around the closure; updates will be posted online. Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner have adjusted their schedules and passengers are asked to continued checking the respective websites at metrolinktrains.com/service-update and pacificsurfliner.com/alerts for the latest updates. 

The Orange County Transportation Authority, which owns the track through Orange County, is working with Metrolink, geotechnical experts, and the city of San Clemente, to monitor the situation and determine next steps for when the track can safely be reopened. Because it is a rapidly changing situation, no timeline has been set at this point. 

The track will only be reopened when it is determined to be safe for passengers.