Adam RollinsSouthern California’s rail network is facing ongoing threats that could significantly impact vital rail-based travel and safety across the region. Without emergency action from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), the rail service will likely be disrupted due to natural disasters such as seismic activity or landslides.
A 12-foot-high temporary catchment wall near Mariposa Point was built a year ago to control and dissipate rockfall energy and debris along a nearby slope. However, landslides over the past year have built up enough debris and mud to threaten the structure, posing the risk of another slope failure shutting down rail service.
OCTA has identified four areas that are at the highest risk of failure, posing a risk to the track running through San Clemente. The authority has submitted an Emergency Coastal Development Permit to the California Coastal Commission to accelerate work stabilizing the areas before they collapse.
In addition to the emergency actions to stabilize the area, OCTA will also need to address erosion issues by repairing and replacing existing riprap, transporting and depositing enough sand to protect the tracks. OCTA has already issued a Request for Information (RFI) to develop dredging and transport options to expedite the sand placement aspect of the project.
The authority’s efforts to stabilize the railroad area will help protect nearby communities and property, maintain rail service and ensure public safety. The OCTA Board is expected to consider an action during its April 14 meeting to enter into emergency contracting agreements to accelerate work on the four identified projects. If approved, OCTA would be able to:
- Issue an emergency design-build procurement to build a permanent catchment wall along Mariposa. The project would also restore a pedestrian trail and build a revetment, seawall or similar structure south of a nearby beach.
- Enable Metrolink to repair and replace riprap. The amount will be limited to what’s needed to protect the track.
The projects will require thousands of yards of sand and riprap replacement work to complete. OCTA will draw on $305 million awarded through grants to support the project. Due to the projects’ complexity and availability of contractors, they will all operate on different timelines.
Photo courtesy Andrewaronoshn
