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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

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.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City