Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization

Project Overview

Stabilization of the Del Mar bluffs is an ongoing, multiphase effort to maintain safe, stable, and reliable train tracks through this stretch of the LOSSAN Corridor. Our goals are to increase safety and service reliability and minimize the chances of track damage due to bluff retreat and seismic events. We accomplish this by installing supports and directing stormwater runoff. To ensure the long-term viability of the corridor, SANDAG is evaluating alternative strategies to relocate the tracks completely off the bluffs.

Schedule

Since 2003, SANDAG and the North County Transit District (NCTD) have completed five stabilization projects between Coast Boulevard and Torrey Pines State Beach. These projects included the installation of more than 380 support columns and investment in drainage infrastructure.

Phase 5

STATUS: Complete

In spring 2024, we began Phase 5 stabilization efforts. More support columns and drainage improvements were added, along with new retaining walls, erosion control measures, and native plants. These efforts are critical to protect the bluffs in the event of earthquakes, large storms, and sea level rise. 

Multi-colored lines depicting the Phase 5 Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization, new sea wall, and construction staging areas spanning 1.7 miles along the Del Mar coast from Coast Boulevard to N. Torrey Pines Road bridge.

Phase 5 Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Map showing stabilization efforts, new sea walls and construction staging areas.

Budget

Phase 5 cost roughly $88 million and was funded through a combination of state, federal, and local sources. 

Connect with Us

Subscribe to receive email updates with information about this project and opportunities to provide feedback that helps shape SANDAG's work. For more information, contact lossancorridor@sandag.org or 858.549.RAIL (7245).

Frequently Asked Questions

The LOSSAN rail line is an important link for passenger and freight travel between San Diego County and the rest of California and the nation. The stabilization projects protect the bluffs and the railroad, so passenger and freight trains can continue providing much-needed services while we work toward a long-term effort to relocate the LOSSAN rail line away from the bluffs. 

The Del Mar Bluffs stabilization projects will help stabilize the coastal bluffs in the near term. The LOSSAN Rail Realignment project is a long-term effort to ensure the rail corridor remains safe, reliable, and resilient. Currently, the rail realignment project is in the environmental phase. Over the next few years, SANDAG will study alternative alignments following guidelines from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The project area extends 1.7 miles along the Del Mar bluffs from 15th Street in the City of Del Mar to the bridge at North Torrey Pines Road.

Call the project hotline at 858.549.RAIL (7245) or email lossancorridor@sandag.org with any questions. To learn more about the project, sign up for email updates at SANDAG.org/subscribe by checking the “LOSSAN Rail” box under the “Transit & Rail Projects” header.