Repairs underway on train tracks affected by Del Mar bluff failure

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A Coaster commuter train travels along the coast of Del Mar. (Autumn Sky Photography, iStock Getty Images)

North Coast Current

Heavy rains over the Thanksgiving holiday led to a coastal bluff failure just feet from railroad tracks in Del Mar, authorities reported Nov. 29.

Three-day rainfall totals along San Diego County’s north coast hit nearly 3 inches, according to the National Weather Service’s official stations from Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas.

The bluff failure occurred at the tracks just south of Coast Boulevard in Del Mar, according to the North County Transit District. The tracks serve NCTD’s local Coaster service, Amtrak passenger service and BNSF freight operations.

Trains were able to safely operate at slowed speeds through the area based on inspections by railroad engineers, NCTD stated. The transit district and its contractors will continue onsite monitoring until repairs are completed.

Regularly scheduled train service was expected to resume Sunday, Dec. 1, for Coaster and Amtrak service, NCTD reported. Repairs were scheduled starting 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, with the closure of the tracks south of the Solana Beach train station and substitute bus service beginning at 6 a.m.

Updates can be tracked on Twitter at @GoNCTD or by calling NCTD Customer Service at 760-966-6500. More information is also available online: www.gonctd.com/heavy-rains-cause-nctd-track-closure-along-del-mar-bluffs/.

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