The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) board on October 12, 2026, approved an emergency declaration aimed at protecting the coastal rail line in San Clemente, where ongoing beach erosion has exposed railroad infrastructure ahead of the winter storms.

The emergency declaration encompasses shoreline protection measures at a section of track designated as Reinforcement Area 4, along with sand placement initiatives at Reinforcement Areas 1, 2, and 4. The efforts are designed to safeguard both passenger and freight rail services on the vital corridor.

“Our coastal rail serves as a critical artery for goods, commerce, national security, and public transportation,” said OCTA Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “We must prioritize sand over boulders to save the rail and our beaches.” Foley is working to secure the necessary permits and contractors to place nearly 700,000 cubic yards of sand to combat erosion, particularly in San Clemente.

In addition to coastal protection, the board approved $3.87 million from the Measure M2 Environmental Cleanup Program for eight projects focusing on reducing transportation-related pollution and improving water quality throughout Orange County. Five of these projects are located within the 5th District:

• – Dana Point will install 104 connector pipe screens along key streets, including Del Obispo Street, Del Prado Avenue, Doheny Park Road, Golden Lantern, and Pacific Coast Highway.
• – Laguna Hills plans to construct a biofiltration basin on Ridge Route Drive to treat runoff from approximately 133.5 acres before it reaches Laguna Canyon and coastal waters.
• – Mission Viejo will add 12 connector pipe screens and 38 automatic retractable screens along El Toro Road, Marguerite Parkway, Los Alisos Boulevard, Alicia Parkway, and Jeronimo Road.
• – In San Clemente, 126 connector pipe screen systems, four grated inlet trash screens, and 306 curb screens will be installed in the northern part of the city to treat runoff from roughly 540 acres.
• – San Juan Capistrano will construct an in-line trash trap and infiltration basin near La Novia Avenue and Calle Arroyo to manage runoff from 88 acres.

“Protecting Orange County’s waterways starts with investing in pollution prevention—before our beaches and ocean experience impacts,” Foley said, adding that nearly 92 million gallons of trash have been captured since the program’s inception.

The board also received updates on three major South Orange County projects, part of approximately $2.3 billion in transportation investments in the region. The Los Patrones Parkway extension has moved into the final design phase, while construction on the Ortega Highway gap closure is expected to begin in early 2027. An environmental review is ongoing for a project aimed at improving Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Avenida Pico.

“From extending Los Patrones Parkway and addressing longstanding congestion along Ortega Highway to completing the remaining HOV lanes on I-5, we continue our work to ensure safer, more reliable travel for residents and commuters,” Foley noted.

In a related action, the board approved a $1.5 million cooperative agreement with Caltrans and an additional $4.7 million in State Transportation Improvement Program funding for the State Route 74 Ortega Highway project in San Juan Capistrano. This project will eliminate a traffic chokepoint between Calle Entradero and Reata Road, add bicycle lanes, and enhance pedestrian safety. Completion is expected in early 2029.

“This additional funding brings us closer to starting the project in January 2027 to eliminate a longstanding traffic bottleneck while improving safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians,” Foley said. She emphasized her commitment to working with OCTA, Caltrans, and San Juan Capistrano to minimize construction impacts on nearby neighborhoods and maintain access for residents and essential workers.

Tune into the full OCTA Transportation meeting here. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for 9:30 am on October 26.