This weekend, a full rail closure will be in effect to accommodate work along the passenger and freight rail line between Oceanside and San Diego.

The closure will take place from just after midnight on Saturday, October 17, through early morning on Monday, October 19. 

Full rail closures are routinely scheduled to advance rail construction and ensure worker safety. During the upcoming closure, construction activities are planned for the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization project and the Mid-Coast Trolley project.

This closure will affect four rail services operating on the San Diego segment of the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor: North County Transit District COASTER, Metrolink, Amtrak, and the freight carrier BNSF.

Regular passenger rail service is scheduled to resume by 5 a.m. on Monday, October 19. Riders are encouraged to plan for increased travel time as trains could be delayed.

The following work will be done during the closure:

In Del Mar, stabilization work continues on the bluffs. Crews will weld and test tieback anchors along previously placed support columns and pour concrete for retaining wall installation on the upper bluffs near 12th Street. Crews will also place concrete panels along previously installed support columns and backfill the area on the upper bluffs north of Torrey Pines State Beach. Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization 4 will repair drainage infrastructure and stabilize portions of the 1.6 miles of coastal bluffs and is anticipated to be complete by fall 2020.

In San Diego, ongoing construction activities are planned throughout the Mid-Coast Trolley corridor. Crews will perform improvements to the surface of the Trolley tracks, including tamping the rail, a process that secures the rail to avoid misalignment once in use. The Mid-Coast Trolley project will extend UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley service from Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego north to the University area and is anticipated to be complete by late 2021. View the project map.

During all construction, nearby residents and businesses can expect intermittent noise and lights. Please visit GoNCTD.com, Amtrak.com, or MetrolinkTrains.com for alternate route schedules.

Update on Construction Activities During COVID-19 Pandemic
Public works construction activities have been deemed essential, so active construction projects are continuing during the pandemic. Protecting the health and safety of the San Diego region, including our partners, contractors, and stakeholders, is a top priority for SANDAG. Be assured that construction workers are following precautionary health measures and that we continue to monitor developments and follow all health guidance and orders.

SANDAG offices are currently closed to the public. Our team is working remotely during this time to provide essential services and continue progress on critical regional projects. SANDAG will continue to monitor the development of COVID-19 in the region and follow guidance from the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

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