Bay Area residents planning a trip to San Diego this weekend may need to adjust their travel plans, as the North County Transit District (NCTD) has suspended all coastal rail service on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23. This includes NCTD COASTER, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, and BNSF freight services between San Diego and Oceanside, with Metrolink services at Oceanside Transit Center also being impacted. Service is expected to return to normal on Monday, February 24.
The temporary halt in service is due to scheduled maintenance and infrastructure work that will see improvements and major railroad construction projects advanced. In a statement released by North County Transit District, the agency outlines its commitment to safety and efficiency, allowing construction crews uninterrupted access to the tracks for the duration of the maintenance period, though it does pose an inconvenience to weekend travelers.
During the closure, residents along the rail corridor should be aware of test trains, construction vehicles, and equipment that will continue to operate. NCTD reminds the public to remain alert, emphasizing that safe crossing should only happen at legal railroad crossings. The work will be conducted across multiple locations, including Batiquitos Lagoon Double Track, Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Phase 5, and track maintenance activities in Southern Solana Beach, the Miramar Area of San Diego, and Ash Street, Downtown San Diego.
With train service unavailable, passengers are encouraged to seek alternative modes of transportation for the weekend. Some alternatives recommended by NCTD include BREEZE Route 101 or utilizing connections with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Trolley and Bus services. Riders left looking for up-to-date information on schedules or those needing assistance are advised to visit NCTD's official website or contact customer service at (760) 966-6500.
