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San Clemente Track Closure
Author:
Date: 02-13-2024 - 23:49
[octa.net]
Monday, February 12, 2024
The OCTA and Metrolink project team observed that soil and debris from the privately owned slope above the rail line near Mariposa Point in San Clemente continued to move toward the track, reaching a point that triggered freight traffic to be halted.
While the movement of soil had slowed, it had crept close enough to the track that BNSF freight trains would not have sufficient track clearance to make nightly trips through the emergency work area. Freight trains had been running most nights at reduced speeds during overnight hours.
The project team was taking numerous measurements at the site this afternoon and will continue to assess slope movement. The team will also discuss the best approach to address the soil closest to the track, to allow enough room for freight trains to pass. Before beginning any additional clearing or clean-up, the team must determine whether some soil from the toe of the slope can be removed without triggering further slope movement.
Passenger service remains stopped, as well, as the safety of passengers and workers on the emergency site continues to guide every decision the team makes.
Potholing for utilities is also scheduled to resume on Tuesday. Metrolink and OCTA are reviewing the proposal received on Friday to construct a barrier wall, and the goal is to be able to award a contract this week. At that point, the goal is to establish a timeline for safely resuming at least some passenger rail service.
Passengers are being directed to www.metrolinktrains.com and www.pacificsurfliner.com/alerts for service updates.
Monday, February 12, 2024
The OCTA and Metrolink project team observed that soil and debris from the privately owned slope above the rail line near Mariposa Point in San Clemente continued to move toward the track, reaching a point that triggered freight traffic to be halted.
While the movement of soil had slowed, it had crept close enough to the track that BNSF freight trains would not have sufficient track clearance to make nightly trips through the emergency work area. Freight trains had been running most nights at reduced speeds during overnight hours.
The project team was taking numerous measurements at the site this afternoon and will continue to assess slope movement. The team will also discuss the best approach to address the soil closest to the track, to allow enough room for freight trains to pass. Before beginning any additional clearing or clean-up, the team must determine whether some soil from the toe of the slope can be removed without triggering further slope movement.
Passenger service remains stopped, as well, as the safety of passengers and workers on the emergency site continues to guide every decision the team makes.
Potholing for utilities is also scheduled to resume on Tuesday. Metrolink and OCTA are reviewing the proposal received on Friday to construct a barrier wall, and the goal is to be able to award a contract this week. At that point, the goal is to establish a timeline for safely resuming at least some passenger rail service.
Passengers are being directed to www.metrolinktrains.com and www.pacificsurfliner.com/alerts for service updates.
San Clemente Track Closure