Metrolink Repairs Start Thursday, Services May Resume Oct. 4

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — The repair work to stabilize train tracks running through San Clemente's Cypress Shores community started Thursday night, after Metrolink and Surfliner service to the San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Oceanside stations were halted Wednesday. The closure is due to concerns over an unstable cliff in southern San Clemente, Public Affairs Manager of Metrolink Paul Gonzalez said.

"Between the sea, the sand and the earth, there has been some movement of the railroad tracks," Gonzales said. "We will be working to make sure they are safe for all rail traffic going through the corridor," Gonzales said.

Railway service should resume by Oct. 4., and Gonzalez stated that if repairs are done before Oct. 4, the route going through San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Oceanside will open up sooner. According to a Surfliner spokesperson, the issue came to light over the past seven days. "Between the ocean and the bluff, there are multiple things moving," they said.

Throughout the Metrolink and Surfliner closure, the City of San Clemente said there will be no alternative bus service to connect the San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente or Oceanside.

The stoppage affects all trains on the Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines and suspended Metrolink and Surfliner first announced service Wednesday.

Metrolink riders will have service for stations only as far south as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station during the suspension, according to Gonzales.

As for Pacific Surfliner passengers, no trains will operate south of Irvine until at least Sunday. According to their website, the Surfliner expects to resume a limited-service schedule between Oceanside and San Diego, with bus service provided between Irvine and Oceanside, starting Monday, Sept. 20.