SAN CLEMENTE (CNS) — Another landslide in the San Clemente area forced a renewed halt in rail service through southern Orange County Monday.
Travelers at the Oceanside Transit Center were directed to board buses to Irvine.
Burke Stanion was traveling back to LA from San Diego. He enjoyed the scenic ride he had Friday on the train.
"It was beautiful, I did see parts of the track that had mud and I was wondering what the heck holds it up. I guess it does fail sometimes," said Stanion.
The tracks used by Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains were closed Monday morning between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano as crews inspected what appeared to be another significant movement of dirt on the hillside overlooking the tracks, just below the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.
RELATED: Pacific Surfliner reopens after San Clemente landslide closes track
Some of the mud and rocks wound up abutting the train tracks.
Sheila Weems said she waited three hours on the platform in downtown San Diego. She's heading to Fullerton to apply for school.
"This is actually my first time taking the train, great experience," laughed Weems.
Geologist Pat Abbott said he isn't surprised by the latest slide.
"They haven't solved these problems, these problems are far bigger than what they're doing. It's much like the Del Mar train, the train tracks simply have to move," said Abbott.
It was unclear how long the tracks would be impacted.
The tracks had been closed for about a month starting in late April due to the unstable hillside. But the tracks reopened on May 27, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Casa Romantica was also closed due to damage on its terrace caused by the landslide, but the facility partially reopened on May 25. It was unclear if the latest movement of dirt would again impact operations at the center.
Most travelers at the Oceanside Transit Center took the delays in stride.
"It's a pity, but I will say the lady at the station here has been very kind in explaining it. You're a lot less grumpy if you know the reason, " said another woman.
