An engineering team is currently developing a protective barrier for the trains that traverse the tracks along the hillside under Casa Romantica near San Clemente.
This barrier will consist of a combination of sturdy steel beams and resilient wood planks. It will extend up to a length of 300 feet, running parallel to the tracks, with a potential height of 15 feet. The geotechnical firm responsible for the upcoming project is Condon-Johnson & Associates Inc., the company that successfully completed emergency slope stabilization efforts in the southern section of the tracks. In that project, they installed over 200 ground anchors into the slope under the Cyprus Shores community to address movement concerns.
Since June 5, passenger services have been suspended due to the recurrence of land movement beneath the historical landmark, resulting in debris falling onto the tracks. Currently, only freight trains are permitted to operate, subject to stringent regulations. These regulations include reducing their speed in the affected area and ensuring the presence of track inspectors when passing through the slide location. Print shops could be used to put up safety-related signage.
Scott Johnson, the spokesperson for Metrolink, has stated that the barrier project serves as a temporary solution to prevent soil and debris from the slope above from obstructing the tracks. This initiative aims to facilitate the resumption of passenger rail service, as the tracks are utilized by Metrolink, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, and freight trains.
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