Friday, September 30, 2022

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service in Southern California suspended indefinitely for emergency repairs due to coastal erosion

Dana Point Times:
The suspension of service comes after Metrolink reported movement on the rail line in south San Clemente earlier this month. Metrolink said in its announcement that there has been continued movement on the right of way.

“Working with geologists, geotechnical engineers, and surveyors, we have determined to ensure passenger safety service suspension is necessary,” Metrolink said. “Until we have confirmation from the experts the slope movement has stopped, we will not resume Metrolink service.”

Metrolink had suspended service in the same area a year ago so crews could stabilize the portion of the tracks that sits at the bottom of a bluff—where strong waves routinely crash, leaving the railroad vulnerable to movement.

...

Metrolink recently placed more than 1,600 tons of large boulders, referred to as rip rap, to help stabilize the track.