News Release

 This week, SANDAG construction crews reached a milestone for the Del Mar Bluffs emergency repairs. Over the course of two nightshifts, crews completed the construction of a keyway, or foundation, that will strengthen the bluffs during the ongoing slope repairs. Located at the base of the bluffs along the beach just south of 4th Street, the keyway will allow crews to begin repairing the slope by placing dirt at the base of the bluffs and building the new slope upwards.

Later this summer, crews will install a new sea wall along the beach south of 4th Street in Del Mar.

Since the late-February bluff collapse, SANDAG crews have graded the area around the collapse, drilled 18 concrete and steel piles into the bluffs, installed tieback anchors to reinforce the bluffs and protect the railroad, cleared vegetation from the work area, and built a temporary support berm.

Emergency work on the bluffs is ongoing and is anticipated to be complete in fall 2021.

About the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization projects

SANDAG and NCTD are leading efforts to stabilize portions of the 1.7 miles of coastal bluffs in the City of Del Mar. This integral part of the 351-mile Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor is a vital link for passenger and freight movements within San Diego County, as well as between San Diego, Los Angeles, and points farther north. Phase 4 stabilization efforts cost approximately $5.8 million and is funded through a combination of federal, state, and local sources.

For media inquiries, please contact Stacy Garcia at 619.699.1950 or PIO@sandag.org