Train service through San Clemente has been suspended through mid-June while Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) begins emergency repairs to protect a vulnerable stretch of coastal rail line. This follows the California Coastal Commission’s recent approval of a partial emergency permit, allowing OCTA to proceed with short-term stabilization work.
Approved repairs include reinforcing existing riprap and placing sand north of Mariposa Point, plus the removal of a pedestrian bridge damaged in last year’s landslide. However, OCTA’s plans for constructing a new bridge and repairing San Clemente’s Coastal Trail were not included and must go through the standard Coastal Development Permit process.
Prior to the Commission’s decision, Coastkeeper submitted a comment letter urging that emergency authorizations be limited strictly to what’s necessary to restore service, leaving expansion projects for a full environmental review. Coastkeeper is pleased the Commission’s decision largely reflects that approach. Emergency permits are meant for interim repairs to make the inoperable, operable — not new development.
It’s critical that once emergency repairs are complete, OCTA shifts to long-term planning for the San Clemente rail line with a focus on public engagement and coastal resilience. Coastkeeper is proud to advocate on your behalf for decisions that protect our coast, honor public process, and prioritize long-term benefits over short-term fixes.
