California coastal erosion threatens Pacific Surfliner rail line

Coastal erosion and rising sea levels are threatening the Pacific Surfliner, a major rail line connecting Orange County to San Diego. The route, which is considered the second busiest passenger train line in the United States, faces increasing instability due to the loss of shoreline and eroding bluffs.

Officials are particularly concerned about the upcoming winter, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a high probability of a “strong” or “very strong” El Niño event. Such weather patterns can bring heavy waves and increased storm surges, which have previously caused multi-day and even month-long closures of the rail line for repairs and landslide protection.

In coastal communities like San Clemente, the impact of sea level rise is already visible through the bisection of local beaches and threats to waterfront properties. Experts note that while urban development has restricted natural sediment flow that once replenished these beaches, human-caused climate change is intensifying El Niño events and driving warmer waters further ashore.