San Diego Train Track Relocation Still 'Up For Discussion:' SANDAG

DEL MAR, CA — Del Mar area residents weighed in overnight on potential changes in play for the coastal train tracks, according to a local report. San Diego Association of Governments recently held another meeting to review four different projected paths to relocate the LOSSAN rail line.

On Monday, residents flooded the Del Mar Town Hall to review the projected plans for the LOSSAN rail alignment. The next opportunity for residents to weigh in will be on Nov. 15 at the Carmel Valley Middle School, located at 3800 Mykonos Lane.

The train's current path is in jeopardy due to eroding bluffs that cause repeated closures of the coastal tracks.

Four main route ideas to move the tracks inland are being evaluated according to the meeting:

• Camino Del Mar
• Canyon Crest Below
• Crest Canyon Higher Speed
• Crest Canyon Above
• I-5 Route, curving from the fairgrounds to a tunnel under I-5.

"The tracks through San Diego carry commuter and passenger trains, freight and serve our military bases," according to a recent CBS8 report. The biggest issue with relocating tracks, according to the report, is the "not in my backyard" challenge. Del Mar city councilwoman Terry Gaasterland told reporters that she hopes SANDAG will consider moving tracks across the fairgrounds, south of the racetrack, north of the river.

Ray Major, deputy chief executive officer at SANDAG, discussed the need to consider alternatives.

Hundreds of residents came out to review the options that include running a tunnel underneath parts of Del Mar.

"There has not been any final decision on where this is going," Major said. "I think that's the key right now. We are looking at different alternatives. Tunneling is one we are looking at."

SANDAG will work on the existing tracks over the winter and hopes to have a permanent track relocation in place within ten years, according to the report. SANDAG reports they expect to spend more than $1 billion on the improvements to the LOSSAN San Diego segment over the next 20 years, including efforts to double track the corridor from Orange County to Downtown San Diego and stabilize then relocate the rails from the eroding bluffs.

A more public review of the findings will occur in the spring of 2024.