Del Mar, SANDAG take next railroad steps

SANDAG begins installation of seawall to stabilize bluff; will release notice of preparation regarding realignment of train tracks on Tuesday

SANDAG has begun work on installing a 2,000-foot-long seawall in Del Mar as part of its bluff stabilization project. SANDAG will also release its notice of preparation on Tuesday regarding realigning the railroad tracks. Steve Puterski photo

DEL MAR — The aggressive push to mitigate bluff erosion and move the railroad tracks is in full swing.

The San Diego Association of Governments recently broke ground on the final phase to build a seven-foot-high seawall and address drainage pipes leaking into the ground to stabilize the bluffs. In addition, SANDAG will release its notice of preparation on Tuesday, which will outline the several options for moving the tracks.

According to Del Mar City Councilwoman Terry Gaasterland, who sits on the SANDAG Board of Directors, the proposal has three options. However, she expressed concern for the massive amount of money being poured into both projects just to start the process.

Omar Atayee, SANDAG’s acting director of engineering and construction, said the complementary projects are critical for the health of the 351-mile LOSSAN (Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo) Corridor. He said the notice of preparation, though, will only show high-level components along with a 45-day public comment period starting on Tuesday.

Also, SANDAG will host a scoping meeting (open to the public) at 6 p.m. on June 18 at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar.

He said the NOP and comment period will ensure SANDAG studies more specifics after gathering public comments and working toward a preferred rail realignment option.

“Every piece is critical and if one piece goes down, then it is really an operational issue and has a domino effect,” Atayee added. “The bluffs (stabilization) our are fifth installment and trying to keep those operational.”

SANDAG is deploying a three-pronged approach to the tracks including the seawall, piles underneath the rail line and storm drain improvements to provide stability on the bluffs. He said this phase will take three to years to complete as there are constraints from the tide and rail schedule.