Transportation and city officials are again grappling with a landslide that sent debris onto railroad tracks in San Clemente, shutting down the rail line indefinitely.
It’s been a recurring issue in recent years that has decision-makers wondering what to do about the vulnerable section of coastal train tracks. This landslide has also indefinitely disabled the town’s popular coastal trail.
The worsening of a landslide Wednesday, Jan. 24, has caused so much damage to the Mariposa Bridge it is “precariously hanging over the tracks and must be removed as soon as possible,” Councilman Chris Duncan said Thursday morning. “The bridge is beyond repair.”
Passengers and commuters, meanwhile, were left without train service through the affected area, about half a mile from the San Clemente Pier. Metrolink and Amtrak had to cancel trains Wednesday evening, offering commuters vouchers to take ride-sharing services or a bus ride to bridge the gap.
There is no word on how long the service will be interrupted by the latest landslide. Trains will only operate as far south as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station until further notice, according to a news alert by Metrolink.
There were no signs posted or officials on site at the nearby North Beach station early Thursday morning letting people know of the train service cancelation.
Metrolink is unable to secure enough shuttles or buses to provide alternative transportation from San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente or Oceanside, said Metrolink spokesperson Scott Johnson.
An estimated 500 passengers either board or disembark Metrolink trains at the San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Oceanside stations. On weekdays, an estimated 14 trains operate through the section, with Amtrak running 10 northbound and 10 southbound trains, Johnson said.
Amtrack’s Pacific Surfliner canceled some trains Thursday and offered a bus bridge in some cases.
Metrolink’s engineering team and track department were on site Thursday…
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