In the latest landslide area of San Clemente, soil movement has increased during the recent storm, according to Metrolink spokesman Scott Johnson.
The slipping slopes have halted passenger train service through the town for nearly two weeks; the Mariposa Bridge over the city’s popular beach trail was also damaged and a section had to be removed.
An engineering team has installed an array of sensors to confirm ongoing soil movement, which has increased during the past 24 to 48 hours, Johnson said.
“Over the past two weeks, Metrolink’s track department and project team have continued to monitor and inspect the affected hillside in collaboration with the city of San Clemente and the private property owners (and) as the second round of heavy rains entered Southern California Sunday,” he said in an email update.
There has been no active construction or grading taking place on the hillside during the rain, he noted.
Mike Laubach, who lives in the condominium complex just above the latest landslide, said the residents have been concerned about the heavy rain falling this week.
“We’re watching it,” he said. “But what we see is really not much, because everything is covered in plastic and we can’t see anything beyond the edge of the bluff. You can’t see below.”
Homeowners in the seven-unit complex are planning on meeting with the city on Wednesday about plans moving forward, he said. The Orange County Transportation Authority, which owns the railroad, last week announced plans for a retaining wall to help hold back the slide so rail service isn’t affected.
“We want to go with whatever they recommend,” Laubach said.
While their building seems to be safe, according to the HOA’s engineer, water is making its way into their garage, Laubach said.
“It’s seeping into the garage, it’s going into some of the areas we’ve never seen it below,” he said. “The dirt is filling up with so much water, it’s now seeping into the…
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