Coastal rail service throughout San Diego County will be suspended this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, as crews undertake critical track maintenance, and construction. This is the fourth of seven scheduled “absolute work windows” planned for this year.
Major Disruptions Expected
The entire 351-mile LOSSAN corridor, stretching from downtown San Diego to San Luis Obispo, will be affected. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains will not operate during this period, and Metrolink service will be suspended on routes between Oceanside, Los Angeles, and Ventura.
Focus on Carlsbad and Del Mar
Much of the weekend’s work in San Diego County will center on the Batiquitos Lagoon double-track project in Carlsbad. This project aims to add a second set of tracks, allowing trains traveling in opposite directions to pass each other more efficiently. Approximately 75% of the plans to double-track the entire coastal route have already been completed.
Work will also continue on the Del Mar bluffs stabilization project, which began in the spring of 2024. Activities will be concentrated between Sixth Street and Coast Boulevard.
Routine maintenance is also planned along other sections of the corridor. Officials caution that test trains and construction equipment will be operating, and anyone near the tracks should exercise caution.
Limited Alternatives for Commuters
No substitute or connecting bus service will be provided during the rail suspension. Passengers who regularly use the North County Transit District’s Coaster train are advised to consider alternative options, such as the Breeze bus Route 101 in North County or the Metropolitan Transit System in San Diego.
Additional work windows are scheduled for San Diego County on March 21 and 22, October 17 and 18, and November 7 and 8 in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area will be affected by the rail closure?
The entire 351-mile LOSSAN corridor, from downtown San Diego to San Luis Obispo, will be closed.
What is the estimated cost of the Batiquitos Lagoon project?
The total estimated cost of the Batiquitos Lagoon double-track project is $166 million, according to SANDAG.
When did the Del Mar bluffs stabilization project begin?
The Del Mar bluffs stabilization project began in the spring of 2024.
As work continues on these vital infrastructure projects, commuters and travelers should anticipate further service disruptions in the coming months. It remains to be seen how these improvements will ultimately impact travel times and overall rail capacity along the Southern California coast.
Keep reading