DEL MAR, Calif. — Eroding bluffs have caused rail operations to close down repeatedly along our coast. The tracks through San Diego carry commuter and passenger trains, freight and serve our military bases. SANDAG is looking to move the tracks inland but the biggest question is, where?
"There has not been any final decision on where this is going. I think that's the key right now. We are looking at different alternatives. Tunneling is one we are looking at," said Ray Major, deputy chief executive officer at SANDAG.
Many potential routes involve building a tunnel and running the tracks under Del Mar. Not everyone is happy about this plan.
"We know the train tracks have to come off the bluff. We know that but tunneling under Camino Del Mar, that would disrupt business and wreck all the revenue and shut the city down," said Del Mar resident Angelina Neglia.
SANDAG presented several plans during a community meeting Monday including the Camino Del Mar route, Crest Canyon Above, Crest Canyon Higher Speed, Crest Canyon Below and the I-5 route.
The I-5 route curves the tracks from the fairgrounds to a tunnel under I-5. Attendees gave their input and had the chance to draw routes they'd like to see.
"We need the public. People have worked hard to be in this tiny neighborhood. They don't want their homes demolished by eminent domain," Neglia said.
Public outreach will last through November. Next, an engineering team will evaluate the various routes and more public review will be happening in the spring. Construction isn't expected to begin until 2028.
WATCH RELATED: SANDAG considers options to move tracks off Del Mar bluffs