Landslide Halts Trains in Orange County; Affected Passengers Receive Uber Vouchers Up to $50!
Train services in Orange County between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano have been interrupted due to another landslide that occurred beneath the Casa Romantica Cultural Center. Authorities reported that the train tracks have been closed due to mud and rocks falling from the slope onto the tracks.
According to Metrolink, the landslide caused the slope to shift about five feet downwards, causing debris and rocks to fall onto the train tracks. Chris Duncan, the Mayor of San Clemente, said that, "some debris and rocks fell onto the tracks."
Eyewitness News sources confirmed that soil and debris were falling from the slope onto the tracks at around 7:30 AM. Officials reported that the closure will affect the Metrolink OC line, the Inland Empire-Orange County line, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, and the BNSF freight service.
Metrolink will only operate up to the stations of Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo. Passengers on certain routes are being offered Uber vouchers worth up to $50 for the inconvenience caused.
Crews are working around the clock to stabilize the slope behind Casa Romantica, as the unstable slope continues to slide. "It was smooth. It was nicely rounded and we could feel it at 11 p.m. last night. We're okay. It's going to be stable," said Duncan.
However, Duncan stated that the task is difficult because the sandy and clay material that compacted onto the slope does not adhere. "It wants to slide. It's smooth, so the material that we keep moving, we may need to remove it and get material that's more suitable to be on a slope and doesn't have a high chance of moving in the future," explained Duncan.
"I'm concerned because there's really nothing blocking the debris that's coming down the slope onto the train tracks. There's no structure, wall, or barrier that protects the tracks," added Duncan. "In April, a landslide damaged the historic Casa Romantica Cultural Center. No damage has been reported to Casa Romantica and pre-approved areas will remain open."
"It's really difficult to see something like this happen in such a beloved historic place. I know it's not the end for Casa Romantica by any means. It's just a challenge that we can overcome," said Amy Behren, the Executive Director of Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.
Originally posted at Liga Legal® Abogados
