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OCTA-led Mariposa trail rebuild and Casa Romanica repairs outlined; construction to run into 2026
Summary
Public works and OCTA updates described a design that includes soldier-pile retaining walls, an elevated trail alignment, and an extensive reconstruction at Casa Romanica; mobilization is expected in September with completion in 2026 and intermittent trail closures.
City staff and Orange County Transportation Authority representatives updated the City Council Aug. 5 on two coastal projects: the Mariposa trail replacement adjacent to the rail line and slope repairs at Casa Romanica.
Public Works Director Dave Reebens said OCTA has secured a grant to protect the railroad tracks and to rebuild the beach trail within the affected reach. The California Coastal Commission has approved a concept that uses soldier-pile walls — ranging from roughly 6 to 29 feet in height — and an elevated trail alignment that will in many sections sit above the railroad track to preserve the view corridor. Mobilization is anticipated to begin in September and construction completion is expected in 2026. During construction the trail between North Beach and Linda Lane will be closed; other trail segments will open periodically, and all beach access points will remain open except Mariposa Beach Access, which will be closed for bridge installation.
Reebens also updated council on Casa Romanica slope repairs. He said a prior landslide (April 2023) prompted emergency work: the contractor installed four rows of tiebacks and geogrid; staff reported the slope reconstruction was close to completion with drainage installation remaining and an estimated 4 to 6 weeks for completion. The project budget for Casa Romanica construction was described as roughly $7.7 million, with about $800,000 for design and geotechnical inspection; staff said they were negotiating with insurance to clarify coverage for landscaping and patio replacement.
Council members asked about wall materials, graffiti mitigation and vegetation as possible treatments to reduce vandalism on exposed shotcrete or soldier-pile walls. Reebens said final materials and landscaping remain subject to Coastal Commission approval and OCTA design finalization.
