Local
San Clemente beach trail to reopen after $93 million rail-protection project
A section closed during work at Mariposa Point is expected to return to public use this week after nearly two years of intermittent restrictions.
A section of the San Clemente Beach Trail is set to reopen after crews completed the main elements of a coastal rail-protection project at Mariposa Point, according to LAist and a City of San Clemente project update.
Project cost: $93 million
Major feature: Nearly 1,400 feet of catchment wall
Purpose: Shield the rail line from falling rock and debris
Trail reopening: Expected this week, with a ribbon-cutting Friday morning
Coastal access returns
The Orange County Transportation Authority project required portions of the trail to close while crews worked beside the Los Angeles–San Diego rail corridor. The new catchment wall is designed to reduce the risk of landslides and debris reaching the tracks.
LAist reported that the trail will reopen Friday. The city says the ceremony will bring together OCTA board members, San Clemente officials, and state and federal partners involved in the work.
A vulnerable rail corridor
Rail service through San Clemente has faced repeated disruptions from erosion and slope movement since 2021. The Mariposa Point work is one part of a broader effort to stabilize the coastal route while restoring access to the beach trail.
Original reporting: LAist →
Official project update: City of San Clemente →