Metrolink is suspending service next week starting Monday, Oct. 26, through Friday, Oct. 30 through a stretch of vulnerable coast where the ocean hits the tracks.
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The temporarily suspension of the Orange County Line service between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations is due to forecast high tides along the South Orange County coastline. The line connects north to Union Station in Los Angeles.
Alternate bus transportation will not be provided, according to Metrolink.
At this time, weekend service is not expected to be impacted, a Thursday, Oct. 22, announcement said.
“The temporary service adjustment is intended to minimize the potential for widespread delays and cancellations if coastal conditions disrupt rail operations,” the announcement said. “By originating and terminating Orange County Line trains at Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Metrolink can maintain a more predictable schedule for customers across the system.”
The shift will also reduce competing rail traffic and shorten potential weather-related delays for other carriers, including Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and freight trains, that operate along the beachfront corridor near San Clemente, it noted.
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The tracks along south San Clemente have been damaged several times in recent years by both the ocean’s waves that hit the rail, and landslides that have dropped debris into its path, disrupting service for weeks, sometimes months, at a time.
Metrolink will continue to coordinate with rail partners and monitor coastal conditions throughout the week.
Frequent inspections will be done, officials said, and Metrolink will also stage crews and equipment nearby to respond quickly to potential impacts to the track infrastructure.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains will operate normally, as long as it is safe to do so.
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To check train status, go to: metrolinktrains.com