Posted on November 11, 2026
The California Coastal Commission approved a permit to protect the coastal rail corridor, allowing OCTA to place 690,000 cubic yards of sand at local beaches.
The approved permit advances OCTA’s protection of the rail line, including sand nourishment, while protecting the environment, according to the release. OCTA says the program looks at protecting four vulnerable areas in San Clemente by way of repairing existing rock protection, placement of sand, and engineered shoreline protection. Additionally, crews completed a catchment wall and Beach Trail restoration at Mariposa Point, as reported by RT&S last month.
The line that runs through San Clemente is owned by OCTA and has experienced landslides and beach erosion. In September, RT&S reported OCTA had declared an emergency along the San Clemente Coastal rail line “to authorize shoreline protection and place 690,000 cubic yards of sand to protect the railroad from further erosion.”
Since 2021, OCTA says it has been working with local, state, and federal partners on an emergency basis to secure the rail line for freight, passenger, and military movement. The approval from the Commission includes “amended conditions.” These conditions include a 10-year permit term with a five-year check-in. Currently, OCTA says it is reviewing these conditions and possibly implications for projects, long-term maintenance, and funding.
OCTA Chair Jamey M. Frederick said, “We thank the Commission for its approval and the work of Executive Director Dr. Kate Huckelbridge and Commission staff toward our shared goal of protecting the coast while keeping rail service safe and reliable. . . This decision provides a path forward to protect an essential transportation connection.”
“Today’s unanimous approval from the California Coastal Commission marks a major milestone to save our critical coastal rail corridor and restore San Clemente’s iconic beaches following decades of erosion and inaction,” said OCTA Director Katrina Foley, also Orange County’s Fifth District Supervisor. “The placement of 690,000 cubic yards of sand represents the region’s largest beach nourishment effort in decades and demonstrates our commitment to long-term coastal resilience.
Director Foley added, “Wide sandy beaches provide a natural buffer for our rail corridor while protecting our coastline, expanding public access, and supporting our local economy. . . Through continued collaboration with our state, regional, and local partners, we will advance lasting solutions that protect our beaches and preserve this vital transportation corridor for future generations.”
OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson said, “For years, OCTA has worked to keep this critical rail corridor operating while addressing coastal erosion, bluff failures and high tides, challenges affecting communities along the California coastline. . . We look forward to continuing our work with the Commission and other partners to advance solutions that preserve rail service and at the same time protect the coast and public access. We will work closely with the Commission and its staff on the integration of the amended conditions into our project.”
$305 million in state and federal funding has been secured by OCTA for priority projects. $100 million is committed to “sand and public access,” according to the release. OCTA thanked the California State Transportation Agency and the FRA for their support and partnership in protecting the vulnerable rail corridor. OCTA will continue working with these officials to advance protection work.
