Environment
Coastal erosion puts Pacific Surfliner’s winter reliability at risk
Repeated washout threats and emergency repairs have left the Orange County–San Diego rail corridor vulnerable ahead of a potentially intense El Niño winter.
Coastal erosion and rising seas are putting the Pacific Surfliner’s Orange County–San Diego corridor under mounting pressure ahead of a potentially intense El Niño winter, the Los Angeles Times reported September 25. Waves and erosion closed the line for several days this summer, while high surf prompted emergency repairs and multiple train cancellations.
What it means locally
Orange County Transportation Authority officials identified four coastal hot spots and secured $308 million in state and federal emergency funding, but permitting delays mean the planned work is not expected to be complete for at least another year and a half. A seven-mile stretch through San Clemente is considered especially vulnerable. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center estimated a 97% chance of strong or very strong El Niño conditions during the three months ending in December, increasing concern about further service disruptions.
Full report and further details: Read original report →