Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Shoring for Track Protection Project at Mariposa Point

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) contracted Condon-Johnson to perform emergency work to stabilize the hillside next to the railroad track through southern San Clemente, which safely restored passenger rail service. In the collaborative effort between Metrolink and OCTA for the Track Protection Project at Mariposa Point, GUIDA provided construction staking services for the shoring piles for a new retaining wall. This contribution ensured the precise implementation of elements such as a catchment wall adjacent to the San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail bridge, aimed at safeguarding the rail line from potential debris.

The project involved the construction of a catchment wall using steel beams encased in concrete and large wood planks installed between the beams. This structure, located at the bottom of the slope, was designed to prevent landslide debris from obstructing the rail line. Construction activities, which took approximately one month to complete, included grading of the hillside along the OCTA right of way, trenching, and additional dirt work to improve water flow management towards the ocean. Metrolink’s track department also worked on restoring ballast integrity, essential for long-term track stability and the safe resumption of normal train speeds. The project’s success was further bolstered by the cooperation of various stakeholders, including the California State Transportation Agency, the California Transportation Commission (CTC), and others, emphasizing a shared commitment to regional rail safety and reliability.

On Monday, March 25, 2024, Metrolink and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency’s Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service safely resumed between Orange and San Diego counties, restoring a vital Southern California rail link.