Geotechnical Testing Continues for LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project 

As part of the San Diego Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Realignment project, SANDAG plans to do geotechnical testing in several locations within the cities of Del Mar and San Diego to learn more about the underground soil structure. This work, combined with previous geotechnical studies, will help us evaluate the potential alignments or rail routes.

What to Expect during This Work

  • A geotechnical drilling rig and other related equipment on site
  • Testing taking place over several months with each individual site potentially being completed within a couple of days to a few weeks, depending on conditions (schedule is subject to change)
  • Work taking place within public streets or publicly owned land from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
  • Traffic controls (which may include cones, signs, and/or people directing traffic) to ensure access is maintained to and from individual properties and for emergency vehicles 
  • Short periods of intermittent noise 
  • Temporary parking restrictions immediately near testing sites for safety
Map of the project area in the Cities of San Diego and Del Mar showing geotechncial studies for Del Mar Bluffs Double Track Reinforced Alternative Alignment, Under Camino Del Mar Alternative Alignment, Under Crest Canyon Alternative Alignment, and the San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Alternative Alignment. Map also includes the Northern San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Alternative Alignment as depicted based on 2025 NOP scoping comments. Boring locations are shown along these alternative alignments. Map also shows proposed cone penetrating test, proposed geophysical survey line, and proposed seismic reflection line.

Planned Testing for October 2025

Residences near boring sites will be informed before testing begins. Schedule is subject to change.

  • Near the intersection of Seaview and Luzon avenues
  • NCTD right-of-way adjacent to 26th Street 
  • The turnaround adjacent to Coast to Crest Trail
  • Near the intersection of Pine Needles Drive and Hidden Pines Lane
  • NCTD right-of-way at the end of 7th Street 
  • Dirt lot adjacent to Jimmy Durante Boulevard and Coast to Crest Trail
  • 4th Street, between Camino Del Mar and Stratford Court 
  • Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, west of Sorrento Valley Road
  • Off San Dieguito Drive on the roadway shoulder
  • NCTD right-of-way near intersection of Camino Del Mar and Carmel Valley Road
  • Dirt lot adjacent to Carmel Valley Road and North Torrey Pines Road
  • MTS right-of-way in Los Peñasquitos Lagoon
  • Sorrento Valley Road near the I-5 knoll
  • Sorrento Valley Road near the pump station
  • End of Hidden Pines Lane 
  • Recuerdo Drive, between Del Mar Heights Road and Cordero Road
  • MTS right-of-way on tracks within Los Peñasquitos Lagoon
  • Off San Dieguito Drive in dirt road 
  • Intersection Mar Scenic Drive and Mar Scenic Trail
  • Intersection of Del Mar Heights Road and Durango Drive
  • Adjacent to NCTD track, off Coast Boulevard
  • Portofino Drive at Portofino Circle 

Stay Updated

For additional information about the project, including geotechnical testing notices and frequently asked questions, visit our project web page. Contact lossancorridor@sandag.org or 858.549.RAIL with any questions or concerns.

About the Project

To protect the LOSSAN rail line from landslides, rapid erosion, and seismic activity, SANDAG is exploring long-term solutions to ensure the rail corridor remains safe, reliable, and resilient. As part of this work, we are looking at how best to reduce travel times, enhance safety, and increase how many passengers and how much cargo can be transported along the entire San Diego section of the railway. This includes evaluating adding a second train track between the future special events platform that will be constructed as part of the San Dieguito Double Track project in the City of Del Mar and the north end of Sorrento Valley in the City of San Diego.