#United States #California #Pacific Surfliner #LOSSAN #bridge replacement

Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® Temporarily Suspends Service North of Goleta Station

Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner®, managed by the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, has announced a temporary suspension of train service north of Goleta due to urgent bridge replacement work. This crucial project will take place from August 1 to August 16, 2025, impacting travel plans for many passengers.

The suspension will enable the replacement of the La Cañada Honda Bridge, a vital piece of infrastructure dating back 127 years. Located over Honda Creek in Santa Barbara County, this steel viaduct forms a significant part of the 351-mile LOSSAN Rail Corridor that caters to both passenger and freight traffic through various counties including Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.

Conducted under the guidance of Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and funded through grants from the State of California, this project aims to enhance the long-term reliability and operational efficiency of train services in the region. The new bridge will not only be a safer structure but will also enable reduced travel times and increased service reliability, ultimately encouraging higher ridership and lowering greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating existing speed restrictions while paving the way for future service expansions.

Key Service Adjustments

During the closure period, here's what travelers need to know:

• - Track Closure: The rail corridor between Goleta and San Luis Obispo will be entirely closed. All train services will be forced to terminate or originate from Goleta during this span, beginning on Friday, August 1, and lasting until Saturday, August 16, 2025. Normal service is expected to resume on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

• - Bus Transportation: To accommodate affected passengers, alternative bus services will be made available. Riders will need to disembark at the Santa Barbara Train Station and connect to buses heading to San Luis Obispo. This ensures that transit options remain accessible while train services are disrupted. Bus connections will facilitate travel for southbound trains 774 and 794 from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara, as well as northbound trains 761 and 779. The buses will follow Route 17, with strategic stops at various points along the way including UC Santa Barbara, Solvang, Buellton, Santa Maria, and Grover Beach. Additionally, Route 17 will continue to operate as per its regular schedule.

For further details and updates, passengers are encouraged to visit the Pacific Surfliner website, which will have the latest information regarding the service interruptions and alternate travel options.

About Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner®

The Pacific Surfliner serves as the busiest state-supported intercity passenger rail route in the U.S., covering a picturesque coastal route through multiple counties, including San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, with 29 station stops along the way.

About LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency

The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency is a collaborative authority comprising various rail operators and planning bodies across the entire LOSSAN region. This agency not only focuses on improving ridership and operational metrics but also oversees the management of the Pacific Surfliner service since July 2015. Comprehensive improvements in performance and safety are among its primary goals. For additional insights, visit Lossan.org.