Continued Slope Movement Halts Freight Traffic in San Clemente

Courtesy of OCTA

SAN CLEMENTE – Freight operations have stopped overnight after crews documented continued slope movement.

RT&S has reported on the ongoing slope movement after a landslide halted passenger operations in January. However, BNSF was able to continue freight operations at 10 mph. Now, OCTA has updated that due to additional slope movement, it has decided to stop freight train operations overnight. The decision was made because “BNSF freight trains would not have sufficient track clearance to make nightly trips through the emergency work area.” 

Both OCTA and Metrolink will assess whether or not soil can be removed from the bottom of the slope safely. On Monday, February 12^th, crews were taking measurements to observe slope movement and discussed the best course of action. OCTA reports that before it can begin anymore clean-up, the team “must determine whether some soil from the toe of the slope can be removed without triggering further slope movement.”

As of reporting, passenger service remains stopped. 

Get caught up on the San Clemente Landslide:

• San Clemente Landslide Leads to Passenger Rail Suspension

• OCTA Working with Metrolink After San Clemente Landslide

• UPDATED: San Clemente Landslide; Upcoming Storm System, Continued Hillside Movement

• OCTA Update: Still Pursuing Barrier Wall After Heavy Rain

• UPDATE: OCTA and Metrolink Continue Work; Metrolink Issues RFP