Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner rail service between Orange and San Diego counties reopened May 27, after a month of closure due to a landslide in San Clemente, according to an Orange County Transit Authority news release.
A geotechnical assessment and final track inspection on May 26 prompted the all-clear for passenger communal services to begin, according to officials.
“We truly appreciate your continued ridership, and we are doing everything we can to ensure safe and dependable passenger rail service,” a Metrolink press statement reads.
The April 27 landslide behind the Casa Romantica Cultural Center—which hosts educational cultural events and programs—damaged its building, covered the nearby tracks and walking path below in debris, and forced the evacuation of several condominiums.
Emergency work began May 12 to prevent more debris from sliding onto the railway tracks and to temporarily stabilize the slope.
The Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency—operating the nation’s second busiest railway section—worked with the City of San Clemente, the county transportation authority, and contractors from Metrolink to remedy the issue.
The transit authority reported the track is stabilized with the bulk of the work done and debris cleared.
