More 'Land Movement' In South OC Halts Train Service

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Another landslide in the San Clemente forced a renewed halt in train service through south Orange County Monday.

The tracks — used by Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains — were closed Monday morning between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano as crews assessed what appeared to be another significant movement of dirt on the hillside overlooking the tracks, just below the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

Some of the mud and rocks littered the train tracks Monday morning, officials said.

It was unclear how long the tracks would be affected.

The railroad had been closed for roughly a month starting in late April due to the unstable hillside, and the tracks reopened May 27. Casa Romantica was also closed due to damage on its back terrace caused by the landslide, but the cultural center partially reopened on May 25.

It was not immediately clear if the latest movement of dirt would impact operations at Casa Romantica.

No further information was immediately available.