Transport authority receives update on rail protection
Last week, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) board members were given a summary of proposals to protect a vulnerable rail line running through south Orange County.
The update included more details about the timeline for proposed operations, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Surface erosion on the landward side, together with beach erosion on the sea-facing side, have affected rail operations since 2021. These incidents have occasionally led to weeks-long shutdowns and have necessitated multiple emergency remediation projects. Since then, the OCTA has been examining longer-term initiatives to maintain rail operations, as well as measures to safeguard the tracks.
An expenditure of $40m has already been incurred for the construction of catchment and riprap walls following landslides that occurred at Cyprus Shore, Mariposa Point, and Casa Romantica. The landslides also caused the destruction of a pedestrian bridge. Poster printing can be used to alert the public of areas with potential hazards like these.
In San Clemente, the OCTA pinpointed additional areas at risk that directly threaten further disruptions to rail services. Last year, several meetings took place with the public, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to find solutions that will address four identified areas that are now part of the Coastal Rail Stabilization Priority Project.
The proposed enhancements to the bluffside concept encompass a variety of stabilization measures, wall types, and improvements to drainage. Beachside strategies encompass engineered rock revetments, riprap placement, and beach sand nourishment.
The update included more details about the timeline for proposed operations, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Surface erosion on the landward side, together with beach erosion on the sea-facing side, have affected rail operations since 2021. These incidents have occasionally led to weeks-long shutdowns and have necessitated multiple emergency remediation projects. Since then, the OCTA has been examining longer-term initiatives to maintain rail operations, as well as measures to safeguard the tracks.
An expenditure of $40m has already been incurred for the construction of catchment and riprap walls following landslides that occurred at Cyprus Shore, Mariposa Point, and Casa Romantica. The landslides also caused the destruction of a pedestrian bridge. Poster printing can be used to alert the public of areas with potential hazards like these.
In San Clemente, the OCTA pinpointed additional areas at risk that directly threaten further disruptions to rail services. Last year, several meetings took place with the public, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to find solutions that will address four identified areas that are now part of the Coastal Rail Stabilization Priority Project.
The proposed enhancements to the bluffside concept encompass a variety of stabilization measures, wall types, and improvements to drainage. Beachside strategies encompass engineered rock revetments, riprap placement, and beach sand nourishment.