SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Orange County transportation officials shut down train services running through South Orange County due to damage on the tracks caused by tropical Hurricane Marie.
"Continued high tides and powerful wave activity along the San Clemente coastline have prompted the temporary closure of the coastal rail line after additional erosion and slope damage were observed near the tracks Monday night," an Orange County Transportation Authority statement said.
Powerful waves crashed against the tracks in the affected area and caused further deterioration along the adjacent slope, including damage to some previously place protective rock, transportation officials said.
The rail line was closed Tuesday so crews could safely assess conditions and perform emergency stabilization.
Severe high tides were expected in Orange County until at least Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The closure impacts Metrolink, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and freight rail operations through the area.
During the closure, Metrolink is operating as far south as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station, transportation officials said.
Pacific Surfliner is operating as far south as San Juan Capistrano and providing a bus bridge between Irvine and Oceanside.
No timeline for reopening is known at this time.
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