Planned weekend rail closure allows crews to perform rail line improvements and regular maintenance
Oceanside, CA – The North County Transit District (NCTD) will suspend all coastal rail line service between the Oceanside Transit Center and Santa Fe Depot during the weekend of February 20-21, 2021, as part of a planned schedule of rail closures that support routine maintenance and rail infrastructure work.
Weekend COASTER service is currently suspended due to COVID-19 service reductions; however, the February weekend closure will affect Metrolink and Amtrak trains. Service suspension will begin Saturday, February 20 at 12 a.m. and remain in place until Monday, February 22 at 5 a.m., enabling rail service to resume in time for the weekday morning commute.
Weekend closures like this one, referred to as Absolute Work Windows (AWWs), occur periodically during the year on a pre-determined schedule. AWWs provide construction crews the opportunity to work safely and unimpeded on and along the rail line to perform improvements and maintenance work.
While no passenger or freight trains will operate during this weekend closure, other test trains and construction vehicles and equipment will be active along the railroad right-of-way and on the tracks throughout the weekend. Residents along the corridor should remain alert and the public is reminded to only cross the rail line at lawfully designated rail crossings.
During the closure weekend, neither Amtrak Pacific Surfliner nor Metrolink will service the Oceanside Transit Center. Amtrak bus services will require an Amtrak reservation and Rail 2 Rail passes will not be honored. On the Friday, February 19, preceding the closures, southbound Amtrak train A796 will be serviced by bus from Los Angeles to San Diego, making stops at Oceanside, Solana Beach, Old Town San Diego, and Santa Fe Depot. Amtrak customers may visit PacificSurfliner.com or call 800-872-7245 for the latest information.
Replacement bus service connecting COASTER stations will not be available. Alternatives for COASTER passengers may include BREEZE Route 101 or MTS connections.
Passengers should note that trains may be delayed up to 15 minutes on the Monday, February 22, following the AWW. Service reductions for weekday COASTER trains will remain in effect, and riders can find the most up-to-date COASTER schedule information on NCTD’s Schedule webpage.
