Metrolink plans five-day coastal service halt as high tides approach

Metrolink plans to halt Orange County Line service between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside from Monday through Friday because of anticipated high tides near San Clemente, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. The agency will not provide replacement buses for the suspended segment.

The five-day suspension cuts Metrolink service through southern Orange County while leaving trains running between Los Angeles Union Station and Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo. The agency aims to avoid broader delays and cancellations if high tides disrupt the beachfront tracks.

According to ABC7 Los Angeles, trains will turn back at Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo during the suspension. Service north of that station to Los Angeles Union Station will continue.

The planned halt follows damage in September, when high tides and strong waves washed over tracks near San Clemente. Erosion and slope damage required emergency repairs and temporarily stopped Metrolink, Amtrak and freight operations, the station reported.

Reducing the number of trains using the coastal corridor could help limit weather-related delays for Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and freight service, according to the report. Metrolink said Pacific Surfliner trains are expected to keep running through the area provided conditions remain safe.

ABC7 reported that Metrolink plans to work with its rail partners and monitor coastal conditions throughout the week. Personnel will inspect the corridor frequently, with crews and equipment positioned nearby to respond to potential track damage.

Passengers should check metrolinktrains.com or pacificsurfliner.com for service updates, according to the report.