Train service in OC between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano shut down due to hillside movement

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (KABC) -- Train services in Orange County between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano have been shut down due to another landslide beneath the Casa Romantica Cultural Center, officials said.

According to Metrolink, the train tracks are closed due to mud and rocks that are rolling down the slope and onto the tracks.

"It slipped about five feet down. Some debris and boulders went onto the railroad tracks," said Chris Duncan, the mayor of San Clemente.

Officials told Eyewitness News crews noticed soil and debris falling from the hillside onto the track around 7:30 a.m. They said the closure will impact MetrolinkOC's line, the Inland Empire-Orange County line, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and the BNSF freight service.

Metrolink will only operate to Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo station.

Riders on certain routes are being offered an Uber voucher worth up to $50.

Crews are working around the clock to stabilize the slope behind Casa Romantica as the unstable hillside continues to slide.

"It was smooth. It was well-rounded off and we felt (it) 11 p.m. last night finally got it done. We're good. This is going to be stable," said Duncan.

But Duncan said the task is difficult because the sandy, clay material being compacted into the hill doesn't want to stick.

"It wants to slide. It smooth so that material that we keep moving around we may need to remove that material and get some other material in there. That's better suited to be on a hillside and not likely to move in the future," said Duncan.

"I'm concerned because there's really nothing blocking the debris coming down the hillside from the railroad tracks," Duncan added. "There's no structure, wall, or any kind of barrier that protects the tracks."

In April, a landslide damaged the historic Casa Romantica Cultural Center. There are no reports of any damage to Casa Romantica and preapproved areas will remain open.

"It's really hard seeing something like this happen to such a beloved historical landmark. I know it's not the end for Casa Romantica by any means. This is just a challenge that we can get through," said Amy Behren, the executive director of Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.