Metrolink suspends Oceanside-Orange County service for five days due to high tides

Metrolink announced it will suspend Orange County Line service between Oceanside and Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station for five days starting Monday, according to the Times of San Diego. This suspension is due to anticipated high tides along the southern Orange County coastline that could disrupt rail operations near San Clemente.

During this period, trains will only run between Los Angeles Union Station and Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, with no replacement bus service provided for passengers traveling between Oceanside and Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo. The goal is to prevent widespread delays and cancellations caused by the vulnerable beachfront tracks.

The suspension follows an incident in September when high tides and powerful waves damaged tracks near San Clemente, forcing emergency repairs and temporary service stoppages for Metrolink, Amtrak, and freight trains. By limiting service to Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Metrolink aims to maintain more reliable operations on the rest of the Orange County Line.

Officials also expect this adjustment to reduce rail traffic through the coastal corridor that is susceptible to erosion and slope damage during extreme weather events.