Southern California Rail Service Resumes After Landslide

The corridor has been closed multiple times in the past year as erosion and landslides put coastal rail infrastructure in jeopardy.

1 minute read

March 25, 2024, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View looking down train tracks at San Clemente, California with grassy beach dunes and blue lifeguard tower on right side.

Train tracks in San Clemente, California. | SailingAway / Adobe Stock

Passenger rail service resumes today in Southern California, where a landslide damaged tracks in late January, forcing rail agencies to suspend service on the popular line between Los Angeles and San Diego.

According to an article in Mass Transit, “The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) worked in partnership with Metrolink to build a 200-foot-long wall at Mariposa Point to safely re-establish service on the track.” The project was funded by the California Transportation Commission. “In the past week, the construction team working at the San Clemente site finished the catchment wall and have continued to work on a more comprehensive drainage system and trenching along the rail right of way. The team also worked in coordination with the city of San Clemente to adjust a sewer access point.”

The rail segment between Los Angeles and San Diego has been plagued by closures caused by erosion threatening the stability of the tracks, but a patchwork of jurisdictions and ownership have hindered a comprehensive mitigation plan.

Thursday, March 21, 2024 in Mass Transit

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today