URGENT UPDATE: Coastal rail services along the LOSSAN corridor are experiencing significant blackouts over select weekends in January as crews tackle essential repairs from San Diego to southern Orange County. The impact is felt immediately as COASTER commuter runs, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains, and BNSF freight traffic are sidelined to allow necessary work on critical infrastructure.
The closures, scheduled for January 10-11 and January 24-25, are part of the North County Transit District’s “absolute work windows,” which provide uninterrupted access to the coastal right-of-way for construction efforts. Normal service is expected to resume each Monday morning after the work windows conclude, but the disruption is vital for safety and future capacity.
During these weekend shutdowns, crews have focused on multiple projects. At Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad, workers are removing a 1940s wooden trestle in favor of a new concrete double-track bridge. This upgrade includes approximately 0.6 miles of additional track to enhance train passage and tidal flow beneath the new structure. This replacement is essential for boosting capacity and improving environmental conditions.
In Del Mar, the ongoing bluff stabilization effort is advancing this winter, protecting the rail alignment along the coastal bluffs. This expensive project is crucial to prevent future disruptions and ensure the safety of the rail line.
Further challenges arise in San Clemente, where officials are addressing persistent hillside failures that threaten the rail line’s integrity. Temporary catchment features and longer track-protection walls are being constructed at Mariposa Point to combat these recurring issues. The new walls, standing 10–15 feet high and reinforced with steel beams, aim to prevent further slide-related incidents.
During the closures, affected riders are informed that COASTER and Pacific Surfliner services will not run, with Amtrak trips turning back at Irvine. Bus shuttles are in place to connect riders to Oceanside, Solana Beach, and downtown San Diego. The Sprinter light-rail line between Oceanside and Escondido will continue operating, but riders should anticipate longer trips on the Mondays following each shutdown.
Officials stress the importance of using only legal crossings during this time, as heavy equipment and test trains will remain active on the tracks despite the suspension of regular services.
Looking ahead, the January blackouts form part of a broader schedule of “absolute work windows” planned throughout the year. The next weekend closure is set for February 21-22, with additional work windows planned for March and beyond. These intermittent interruptions are essential for implementing major upgrades that will ultimately reduce chronic slow orders and enhance capacity along the corridor.
As these critical repairs unfold, they signify a proactive approach to maintaining and improving rail infrastructure for the future. Riders are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming closures and to plan their travel accordingly. Follow local news outlets for updates on how these developments impact weekend travel plans.
