Rail service between Los Angeles and San Diego is set to resume on July 17, following a month-long hiatus due to a series of landslides in San Clemente that closed the tracks, according to the Times of San Diego. The reopening comes just as summer travel is in full swing, with many passengers expected to use the service in the coming days to attend the popular Comic-Con convention in San Diego.
Passenger rail service was initially disrupted in April, when a landslide occurred near the landmark Casa Romantica Culture Center and Gardens. Officials temporarily shut down the service and resumed it on May 27th, only for another mudslide to occur on June 5th, leading to a longer closure, as KPBS reported.
Upon assessing the situation, the board of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) declared an emergency on June 12th to expedite the construction of a temporary barrier wall to protect the tracks from further debris, Fox 5 San Diego notes. The emergency construction involved building a 250-foot long and 12-foot high barrier, with pilings dug 32 feet into the ground, to ensure a safe passage for Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains.
The reopening of the rail service between Los Angeles and San Diego comes as perfect timing for numerous Comic-Con attendees, who now have the option to make their way to the event via train. The temporary stabilization of the track is expected to help accommodate the increased rail demand during the busy summer season. Additionally, Fox 5 San Diego reports that Amtrak, which had previously reduced service amid budget constraints and repair efforts, plans to resume full daily service in light of the track reopening.
Meanwhile, the City of San Clemente is committed to working on a more long-term solution for stabilizing the hillside and preventing further disruptions in rail service. Alongside the temporary barrier wall construction in San Clemente, another project near the Cyprus Shore Homeowners Association – approximately two miles south of the mudslide-affected area – is also nearing completion without affecting train service.
