SANDAG/NCTD Rail Projects

bluff fencing 1

Regional transportation agencies are advancing a number of rail projects in Del Mar. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is the lead planning agency on the railway, which is owned and operated by North County Transit District (NCTD). On this webpage, viewers can find official information related to NCTD railway fencing, SANDAG Bluff Stabilization 5, SANDAG San Dieguito Double Track Project, SANDAG Regional Rail Alignment Study, and the SANDAG Coastal Connections Conceptual Planning Study.

NCTD railway fencing (proposed)

An NCTD proposal calls for fencing along the Del Mar bluffs rail corridor. The City of Del Mar has not agreed to the proposed plan. Del Mar is working in collaboration with the California Coastal Commission, SANDAG, and other regional agencies to ensure NCTD respects the rights, property, environmental and safety considerations along the Del Mar bluffs.

Related Documents:

Open NCTD's City of Del Mar Information webpage

SANDAG Bluffs Stabilization Project 5

Bluff Pile Installation squareFor the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project Phase 5, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) plans a number of drainage, shoring and strengthening projects between Coast Boulevard and Carmel Valley Road.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2023.  

The work program calls for improving drainage structures, reinforcing the bluff with pilings and adding bluff protection measures such as seawalls. 

Related Documents:

Open SANDAG's Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization webpage

SANDAG San Dieguito Double Track Project (in design)

s7414992d385a450b80dd6c48ffe37d61_small_optimizedSANDAG's San Dieguito Double Track Project envisions a new bridge across San Dieguito River, the double-tracking of 1.1 miles of railway between Solana Beach and Del Mar, a pedestrian undercrossing, and construction of a special events platform at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for Coaster and Amtrak trains.

Construction of Phase 1 is set to begin in 2023 and include double-tracking north of the river, realigning the Stevens Creek channel and relocating underground utility lines. Phase 2 is unfunded and unscheduled and includes the double-tracked bridge, special events platform, realignment of the tracks south of Via de la Valle, and double-tracking south of the river.

Related Documents:

Open SANDAG's San Dieguito Double Track and Special Events Platform webpage

SANDAG Regional Rail Alignment Study (proposed tunneling)

tunnelsIn the San Diego Regional Rail Alignment Study, SANDAG planners have identified five possible tunnel routes as alternatives to the existing line along the Del Mar bluffs. The two alternatives that have scored the highest would run beneath Camino del Mar or Crest Canyon in Del Mar Heights. A feasibility study will determine which of the options will advance to environmental review.

The analysis is part of a larger study examining how to improve the movement of people and goods on the railway between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. The LOSSAN Rail Corridor is the second-busiest in the nation and is travelled annually by 8 million riders and $1 billion in goods.

Related Documents:

Open SANDAG's Regional Rail Alignment webpage

SANDAG Coastal Connections Conceptual Planning Study

train on bluffSANDAG’s Coastal Connections Conceptual Planning Study is assessing opportunities for pedestrian trails and crossings along 1.5 miles of railway between Coast Boulevard and Torrey Pines State Beach.

The study is evaluating pedestrian access improvements that could include overcrossings, trails, and beach access points. 

It is scheduled for completion early 2023.

SANDAG has posted the full study online. The public can comment on the study through Jan. 31 on SANDAG's webpage. 

Open SANDAG's Coastal Connections Conceptual Planning Study webpage