Progress Continues on Two SANDAG Rail Projects
Oceanside CA— This weekend, a full rail closure will be in effect to accommodate work along the passenger and freight rail line between Oceanside and San Diego.
The closure will take place from midnight on Saturday, October 16, through the evening on Sunday, October 17.
During the upcoming closure, construction activities are planned for the Mid-Coast Extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley in San Diego and the El Portal Undercrossing project in Encinitas, which will improve safety and operations of the San Diego segment of the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor. Both projects are examples of the type of long-lasting, resilient transportation solutions included in SANDAG’s 2021 Regional Plan.
This closure will affect four rail services operating on the LOSSAN: North County Transit District (NCTD), Metrolink, Amtrak, and the freight carrier BNSF. Full rail closures are routinely scheduled to advance rail construction and ensure worker safety.
Regular passenger rail service is scheduled to resume by 5 a.m. on Monday, October 18. Riders are encouraged to plan for increased travel time, as trains could be delayed.
The following work will be done during the closure:
In San Diego, crews will be performing ongoing inspections along the southern portion of the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension alignment. Work activities will include wiring and electrical activities for the light rail system and performing punch list items at the stations and along the light rail right-of-way. The Mid-Coast Trolley Extension was made possible through SANDAG’s previous Regional Plans – which set in motion decades of planning, engineering, design, and construction. The draft 2021 Regional Plan includes more projects like this that will form an integrated transportation system that is faster, fairer, and cleaner for all. Learn more about the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension: KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/MidCoast
In Encinitas, crews will perform utility work for the El Portal Undercrossing project. Work activities include relocating fiber optic cables. Work will occur during daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additional improvements to the safety and operations of the LOSSAN corridor are key components of the 2021 Regional Plan. Through the 2021 Regional Plan, rail improvements will be made as part of a network of fast and frequent transit services that connect to major destinations throughout the region. Learn more about the El Portal Undercrossing at KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/EncinitasPedCrossings.
During construction, nearby residents and businesses can expect intermittent noise and lights. Please visit GoNCTD.com, Amtrak.com, or MetrolinkTrains.com for alternate route schedules.