SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) – As the multi-year project to stabilize the Del Mar coastal divide connecting Southern California by rail continues, Pacific Surfliner service will be affected on select days over the next two years as crews start the next phase. work on Sunday.
The Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail line connects the Southern California coast by rail. The Amtrack Pacific Surfliner connects San Luis Obispo County to San Diego County.
In San Diego, the LOSSAN Corridor runs over six coastal lagoons, along coastal bluffs, through Camp Pendleton and six cities: Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and San Diego.
Several track closures due to bluff errors in Del Mar and San Clemente have plagued the train system’s reliability in recent years.
Amtrak and Metrolink will resume full service through San Clemente
The SANDAG and NCTD project to stabilize portions of the coastal cliffs in the City of Del Mar along the LOSSAN Corridor has entered Phase 5.
The next phase of work will take place at several locations along the LOSSAN rail lines on the upper and lower bluffs and on the beach between 15th Street and the bridge at N. Torrey Pines Road in Del Mar.
Beginning Sunday, May 19, construction in Del Mar will impact Pacific Surfliner service for the next two years. There will be no service to the Santa Fe and Old Town San Diego stations in downtown San Diego on Sunday evening, Monday morning and evening, and Tuesday. mornings. View the travel advice here.
SANDAG noted that the construction will not impact daily rail service or beach access.
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According to SANDAG, construction crews have begun building seawalls under 11th Street in this next phase. More support columns and drainage improvements will be added, along with new retaining walls, erosion control measures and native plants.
SANDAG says flaggers will be on hand to safely escort anyone walking in the area as crews transport equipment to and from the work area.
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According to the project update, most construction work will take place Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm and during pre-scheduled nights and weekends, but working hours will depend on tide levels.
The work involves drilling holes, installing piles (or underground support columns) into the holes, and pouring concrete in an effort to protect the base of the cliffs from erosion.
The three-year Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Program includes a total of six new seawalls.
According to SANDAG, the project is crucial to protect the cliffs in the event of earthquakes, major storms and sea level rise.
The Del Mar City Council will vote on “guiding principles” to shape the track realignment project
SANDAG says Phase 5 will cost about $88 million, funded by state, federal and local sources, while work to stabilize the cliffs continues until they find a longer-term solution.
Over the next two decades, SANDAG plans to make nearly $1 billion in improvements to the LOSSAN Corridor, including double tracking, stabilization of the Del Mar Bluffs and relocation of rail lines.
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