LA's New San Juan Creek Bridge Opens After 108 Years
OCTA completes $25 million San Juan Creek Bridge replacement after 17 months of construction
OCTA Opens New San Juan Creek Rail Bridge
Train traffic began operating over Orange County's new San Juan Creek Bridge this week, transit officials said. The $25 million project replaces a structure that served the rail corridor since 1917, completing 17 months of construction work. The 400-foot bridge carries Metrolink trains between Los Angeles and Oceanside, serving roughly 3,000 to 4,000 weekday riders on the Orange County Line.
Century-Old Infrastructure Replaced
The original San Juan Creek Bridge was built in 1917 as part of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway's coastal route, according to the Orange County Transportation Authority. OCTA acquired the rail right-of-way and infrastructure in the 1990s to support commuter rail service, making the agency responsible for maintaining and upgrading historic bridges. James Beil, Executive Director of Capital Programs at OCTA, said the project demonstrates the agency's commitment to maintaining safe rail infrastructure. Officials didn't specify the exact construction start date, noting only that work began approximately 17 months ago in mid-2023.
Modern Structure Meets Safety Standards
The new 400-foot bridge meets current Federal Railroad Administration safety standards for railroad structures, officials said. Construction was completed by contractors working under OCTA oversight, though the agency didn't release specific contractor names. The project's $25 million cost was funded through OCTA's capital improvement program, but officials haven't provided a detailed breakdown of federal, state, or local funding sources. The old bridge will be dismantled in coming months, though a specific timeline for that work wasn't available.
Dismantling Work Begins Soon
Dismantling of the 108-year-old bridge will begin following completion of the new structure, OCTA announced Wednesday. Officials said the old bridge served faithfully for over a century but required replacement to meet modern safety and operational needs. The agency didn't provide a specific date for when dismantling work will start or how long it'll take to complete. The bridge replacement is part of a nationwide trend of upgrading century-old rail infrastructure, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Service Continues Without Disruption
Riders on the Metrolink Orange County Line can expect continued reliable service with the new bridge now operational, officials said. The project ensures safe rail operations for generations to come, according to Beil. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on Metrolink service through the San Juan Creek corridor and throughout Orange County's rail network.
