About the Project

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in coordination with Metrolink, is replacing the railroad bridge over San Juan Creek in the City of San Juan Capistrano to enhance safety and reduce maintenance needs. Once the new bridge is completed and train service is switched over, the existing bridge will be demolished. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.

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Contractors continue to construct the foundation for the new bridge, which consists of four piers that will support the railroad bridge.

Crews are expected to begin drilling for the first pier next week. This will require concrete pours beginning as soon as Friday, June 28 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Approximately 40 concrete trucks will be accessing the creek from Camino Capistrano and exiting at Stonehill Drive. No lane closures are anticipated during this activity. 

In addition, the installation of temporary shoring is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 through Friday, June 28 as crews prepare to construct a bridge abutment in the coming months. For everyone’s safety, a segment of the San Juan Creek Trail beneath the bridge is expected to close briefly while equipment is being moved. Flaggers will be on the trail to manage bicycle and pedestrian traffic. 

Work hours are from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and some Saturdays. 

This work may be loud. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues. Train horns may be sounded.

View of project site and staging area in preparation for construction of the bridge foundation.

Activity seen in the photo is the installation of metal pipes.

Upcoming Closure of San Juan Creek Trail

Contractors are anticipated to begin installing piles for a bridge abutment near the San Juan Creek Trail. This will require the trail to be closed for approximately one week beginning in mid-July. Signage will be placed along the trail in advance to notify the public about the closure. More details will be provided in future communications.

A detour has been established using Camino Capistrano, Del Obispo Street, and the Trabuco Creek Trail. The detour is the most direct route around the closure. Click on the graphic to enlarge.

In Your Community

The Public Outreach team participated in San Juan Capistrano’s Coffee Chat to share project information, answer questions and engage in meaningful discussions. Thank you to everyone who tuned in to learn more about the project.

Project Resources