Weather 
LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (CNS) — Metrolink is scheduled to suspend Orange County Line service between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside for five days beginning Monday due to anticipated high tides along the southern Orange County coastline.
The suspension will run through Friday, with Orange County Line trains operating only between Los Angeles Union Station and the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station.
Metrolink will not provide replacement bus service along the affected portion of the route.
The temporary suspension is intended to prevent widespread delays and cancellations if high tides disrupt rail operations along the beachfront tracks near San Clemente.
Crews are making emergency repairs along the rail line in San Clemente after recent high tides and large swells damaged coastal infrastructure.
In September, high tides and powerful waves overtopped tracks near San Clemente, causing erosion and slope damage that forced a temporary suspension of Metrolink, Amtrak and freight service while crews made emergency repairs.
By turning trains around at Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Metrolink officials said they hope to maintain more predictable service along the remainder of the Orange County Line.
The adjustment is also expected to reduce rail traffic through the vulnerable coastal corridor, potentially limiting weather-related delays for Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and freight trains that share the tracks.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains are expected to continue operating through the area as long as conditions remain safe, according to Metrolink.
“Metrolink will continue to coordinate with rail partners and monitor coastal conditions throughout the week,” the agency said in a statement. “Qualified personnel will conduct frequent inspections, and Metrolink will also stage crews and equipment nearby to respond quickly to potential impacts to the track infrastructure.”
Metrolink passengers were encouraged to check metrolinktrains.com for service updates before traveling. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner passengers should consult pacificsurfliner.com for information about possible disruptions.
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