US: Rail service disruptions ongoing between Orange and San Diego Counties, Calif., after landslide in San Clemente blocks tracks as of Jan. 25

Rail disruptions are continuing in southwestern California as of Jan. 25 after a landslide pushed boulders and debris onto the train tracks in San Clemente. The landslide occurred around 16:25 Jan. 24 near the Mariposa Trail Bridge. Metrolink service between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station and Oceanside Transit Center has been suspended until further notice. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner service has canceled northbound trains 573 and 587 and southbound trains 572 and 586, leading to significant transport disruptions between Irvine, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Authorities have not provided a timeframe for when services will resume.

Available rail services will likely experience increased crowding; higher demand for alternative means of transport is probable. Lingering rail disruptions will likely continue for several hours after service resumes as carriers reposition rolling stock and work through their passenger backlogs.