Orange County Adds Sand to Protect San Clemente Rail Line

Efforts to protect the vulnerable coastal rail line in San Clemente, used by Amtrak, Metrolink, and freight services, have commenced with the delivery of the first 300 truckloads of sand, totaling approximately 3,400 cubic yards, from a Palm Springs quarry. This sand nourishment project aims to reinforce a quarter-mile stretch of beach to combat erosion and landslides that have caused repeated rail closures since 2021, with a much larger plan to place up to 540,000 cubic yards pending federal and state permits. The initial phase, costing about $900,000, is part of a comprehensive $310 million project that also includes constructing a 1,400-foot catchment wall to protect the rail line from hill debris and restoring the San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail. Officials emphasize the urgency and collaborative efforts needed to expedite these measures, as the rail corridor is vital for passenger and freight transportation and has suffered from significant disruptions. The sand placement is not expected to disrupt current rail service and is considered a proactive step to stabilize the coastline ahead of further reinforcement work scheduled through summer 2026. Local leaders, including Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, stress the importance of moving beyond reactive repairs to sustainable protection of the rail infrastructure and surrounding beaches.