San Diego

4th Del Mar Bluff Collapse This Month Causes Train Delays

Train commuters were experiencing delays Monday due to a bluff collapse in Del Mar, the latest in a series of collapses near the tracks this month. 

The North County Transit District alerted Coaster riders to delays for trains south of Solana Beach due to the small cliff collapse near the tracks at 10th Street. 

Del Mar Lifeguards said the bluff collapse happened at about 10 a.m. 

Tracks were reopened within by 12:20 p.m. but some trains were experiencing up to two-hour delays, according to Amtrak. 

The latest bluff collapse is the fourth to occur within a three-block span above Del Mar Beach in October. 

Del Mar Lifeguards said the collapse was smaller than the previous. 

Geologist Pat Abbott said the bluffs in the area between 9th and 11th streets could go at any time. 

"The sand is so soft, it squeezes and breaks, very, very readily," Abbott said.

Residents have voiced their concerns about trains operating on what they say is unstable bluff and have called on the North County Transit District to move the tracks. 

The North County Transit District said after a recent collapse that it was working with SANDAG on a project to move the tracks underground but that it would cost billions of dollars and the project remains unfunded.

The NCTD says it also plans to put up fencing to improve safety near the tracks. They say the fencing would lessen foot traffic and help stabilize the bluff.

It's not clear when they plan to move forward with either project. 

No other information was available.

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