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Popular San Clemente beach trail to fully reopen as crews finish protecting coastal rail
A popular section of the San Clemente beach trail will reopen to the public this week.
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Courtesy of OC Transportation Authority.
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Topline:
A popular section of San Clemente's beach trail will reopen to the public on Friday after transit crews completed a major project to protect a coastal rail line from landslides and falling debris. Portions of the trail have been closed over the last two years.
Background: The Orange County Transportation Authority is completing a $93 million project at Mariposa Point in San Clemente that includes a nearly 1,400-foot catchment wall to protect the battered railroad tracks from falling rocks and other debris.
Officials said: “This project is another example of OCTA delivering our commitment to protect this vital rail connection while also returning a popular recreational amenity to the community,” OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico said in a statement.
More on the troubled rail: The project at Mariposa Point is part of OCTA’s greater efforts to protect a portion of the rail that is part of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor. Erosion and landslides along the coastal rail have caused several disruptions since 2021.
What about El Niño? The trail reopens as the region braces for record-high surf and heavy rains. Other coastal Orange County cities such as Laguna Beach and San Clemente have issued local emergency proclamations because of coastal erosion this year.
Dig deeper: Train disruptions in San Clemente raise questions of the future of coastal rail
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