Train traffic is now traveling over the newly constructed San Juan Creek bridge in San Juan Capistrano, marking a major milestone in the Orange County Transportation Authority’s ongoing efforts in partnership with Metrolink to enhance rail safety and reliability.
Following testing over the weekend, the first passenger trains traveled over the new bridge, built immediately adjacent to the previous bridge, beginning early Monday morning. The new bridge replaces a structure originally built in 1917 and serves as a key link along the Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor, one of the busiest intercity passenger rail lines in the nation.
“This new bridge represents an important investment in safety and efficiency for the thousands of passengers and freight customers who depend on this rail line every day,” said OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee. “By replacing an aging structure that has served the region for more than a century, we’re ensuring that train service through this area remains reliable and resilient for decades to come.”
The approximately $65-million project, funded by the Measure M half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements and state and federal funds, enhances the structural integrity of the corridor while reducing ongoing maintenance costs.
The new bridge features modern design standards that improve rail operations and safety, including upgraded foundations and improved flood protection for the San Juan Creek channel below.
While train service has transitioned to the new structure, crews will continue work in the area next spring to safely disassemble and remove the old bridge, which has been in service for more than 100 years. The San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project is part of OCTA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and modernizing Orange County’s rail infrastructure to support a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation network.
For more information, visit octa.net/SJCBridge.
