Metrolink pauses coastal rail service over high tides

Metrolink temporarily stopped trains between Laguna Niguel and Oceanside this week after forecasts of high tides raised concerns about a coastal rail corridor recently hit by surf damage and emergency repairs, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The shutdown affects a key South Orange County rail link, where erosion, surf and the long-term future of the coastal tracks remain under public review.

ABC7 Los Angeles reported that Metrolink suspended service between Laguna Niguel and Oceanside as a precaution, with the interruption expected to continue through Friday.

The action followed late July surf that caused delays and emergency repair work along the corridor. Crews found track erosion and problems with Metrolink’s communications system south of the San Clemente Pier, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

"Last month we saw the delays in the corridor ended up having a ripple effect across our system and so it was far beyond just an impact to South Orange County," Brett Hawkins, Metrolink public relations manager, told ABC7 Los Angeles.

Hawkins said crews have stepped up monitoring when high tides are expected. "Our talented and tireless crews monitor that corridor very closely," Hawkins said. "They've increased their inspections during times in which high tides are forecast and we have our crews and materials staged nearby to respond quickly if conditions do change."

ABC7 Los Angeles also reported that materials including riprap were staged nearby. Chris Mauro, a Bring Back Our Beaches advocate, said rock protection can affect sand movement along the coast. "When they put the rock down, the wave refraction off the rocks prevents any new sand from building up in front of there so you can't retain your beach," Mauro said.

The Orange County Transportation Authority is set to present findings from its years-long coastal rail resiliency study at a virtual public meeting Tuesday at 5 p.m., ABC7 Los Angeles reported.