Amtrak, Metrolink Resume San Clemente Rail Service After Coastal Repairs

Passenger rail service through San Clemente, California, is set to resume on June 7, 2025, following over a month of emergency repairs to address frequent landslides and coastal erosion that had disrupted train traffic along the Pacific Surfliner route. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Metrolink led the extensive stabilization efforts, which included placing approximately 5,900 tons of large boulders (riprap) and replenishing around 240,000 cubic yards of sand to protect the coastal rail line. A planned 1,400-foot catchment wall was also constructed to prevent landslide debris from reaching the tracks, with temporary concrete barriers ensuring crew safety during the work. During the closure, Metrolink and Amtrak services adjusted routes, using bus bridges and terminating trains at alternate stations, but will return to normal schedules with the reopening. This restoration is critical for maintaining a key transportation corridor connecting Southern California cities and supporting regional tourism and daily commuting. Final preparations before reopening include clearing construction equipment and conducting safety inspections to ensure seamless service resumption.