San Clemente Beach Trail Reopening Now Expected in Fall 2026
San Clemente’s Beach Trail is now expected to reopen after project completion in Fall 2026, according to the Orange County Transportation Authority’s current Area 3 project update.
OCTA also says crews will begin extended construction hours Monday, Aug. 3, while work continues at Mariposa Channel. The schedule remains subject to change because of inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.
Extended hours begin Aug. 3
Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, crews are expected to work extended hours for approximately three weeks. Work is scheduled Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
OCTA says lighting equipment may be used so crews can safely work during the late hours. No nighttime material deliveries are expected.
Crews will continue work on the verdura wall, including handrails and fencing. Concrete pours are also expected to continue at the verdura wall and the pedestrian bridge.
Trail section remains closed
The San Clemente Beach Trail remains closed between El Portal and Linda Lane while construction continues. The active project area is closed to the public for safety.
OCTA says the trail from the North Beach parking lot to El Portal will be closed during work hours, then reopen at the end of each workday and remain open Sundays. The section from El Portal to Linda Lane will remain closed until project completion.
Beach access and detours
Beach access remains available through the El Portal underpass and the Linda Lane underpass, according to OCTA’s July 31 construction alert.
The Mariposa underpass is closed. Beach access at Dije Court and El Portal is also temporarily closed where construction conditions require restrictions. Residents and visitors should use designated access routes and detours shown in OCTA’s current project information and avoid entering the active work area.
Work at Mariposa Channel
The Area 3 project includes an approximately 1,400-foot-long catchment wall on the bluff side of the railroad tracks at Mariposa Point. OCTA says the wall is intended to protect the coastal rail line, while the Beach Trail area is restored.
Separate construction continues on the verdura wall and the pedestrian bridge at Mariposa Channel. OCTA’s July 17 update said the new pedestrian bridge structure had been set into place, with crews still expected to complete the wall structures supporting both ends of the bridge, finish concrete surfaces, continue drainage work and prepare the trail area for the next phase of construction.
For San Clemente residents, trail users and beach visitors, the practical effect is that the El Portal-to-Linda Lane closure will continue through the remaining construction period. The current official expectation is reopening after project completion in Fall 2026, but OCTA has not announced a specific reopening date.
Sources
Discover more from Interactive News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
