OCTA Delivers Initial Sand Nourishment in San Clemente

ORANGE COUNTY - Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) delivered the initial sand nourishment as part of the emergency efforts to protect the vulnerable coastal rail line.

OCTA says more than 300 truckloads of sand, or 3,400 cubic yards, is scheduled to be delivered between the line and the ocean over the next week. In total, up to 540,000 cubic yards will be delivered, “pending sand sourcing and additional state and federal permitting approvals.” The sand comes from a quarry in Palm Springs and is placed as “an immediate step” to reinforce the line. In total, the estimated cost for the sand nourish meant is $900,000.

Later this month, crews will begin restoration of the San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail and construction of a 1,400-foot-long catchment wall near Mariposa Point. OCTA states this work is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

OCTA Vice Chair Jamey M. Federico thanked “the collective effort of agencies and leaders at every level of government who helped make this initial sand placement a reality. . . Reaching this milestone was possible because of our federal and state partners, multiple agencies, including the Federal Railroad Administration, the California State Transportation Agency, California Transportation Commission, the Coastal Commission, the City of San Clemente, and the community.”

OCTA Director Katrina Foley said, “this initial placement of sand highlights our dedication to securing our rail corridor and protecting our coast. . . Unfortunately, slow, excessive bureaucracy prohibits OCTA from bringing the remaining sand San Clemente desperately needs. We must work collaboratively with all levels of government to expedite sand nourishment efforts and protect our iconic Orange County beaches.”

CATCH UP

• OCTA Submits Emergency Coastal Develop Permit 4/01
• OCTA Board of Directors Authorizes Emergency Actions for San Clemente 4/17
• Passenger Service Temporarily Suspended as Crews Work in San Clemente 4/28
• San Clemente Emergency Work: Week One Progress 5/02
• OCTA Gives San Clemente Update; Crews Place Riprap to Protect Line 5/09
• Coastal Rail Resiliency Study Seeks To Refine Concepts 7/25