SoCal Leaders Debate Moving Coastal Rail Line

A rail line in Southern California is growing increasingly unstable due to coastal erosion, but local residents and officials are in disagreement over how and where to relocate it.

Last week, the San Diego Association of Governments voted to narrow down the proposed plans to four options, “But a final decision remains far off.”

After SANDAG presented three potential options for relocating the track, “Del Mar residents raised concerns about tunnel construction and operations beneath their homes, citing risks from vibration and pollution.” One route was opposed by environmentalists because it cut through a lagoon. Another, which would have tunneled under the San Diego County Fairgrounds, also faced opposition.

“In light of all that, the agency re-examined the issue, ultimately leading to the vote on Friday. Three of the options now on the table would move the line off the bluffs; a fourth would keep the track where it is, reinforce the bluffs and add a second track next to the existing one.” Meanwhile, emergency repairs offer only a short-term solution for the problem as local officials continue to debate their options.