King tides disrupt San Diego train service as crews protect coastal tracks

Train service between Los Angeles and San Diego will be cut off at San Clemente due to king tides and heavy surf, FOX 5 San Diego reported. Crews are working to stabilize and protect the coastal tracks from corrosive saltwater splashing onto the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, the only rail connection between San Diego County and points north.

California State Senator Catherine Blakespear emphasized the corridor's importance and noted that the California Coastal Commission has approved measures to protect the tracks. These include additional riprap protective rocks, a 1,200-foot sea wall, and the placement of 690,000 cubic feet of sand to hold back the tides.

The Coastal Commission will receive progress reports every three years starting in 2028, but concerns remain about the pace of state action amid threats from a super El Niño, king tides, and a Kelvin wave. Senator Blakespear called for clearer planning and investment to address sea level rise and climate change impacts.

Train commuters expressed frustration over travel planning difficulties when natural events control the rail service. The ongoing efforts aim to keep trains running safely despite environmental challenges along the coast.