WASHINGTON -- Amtrak said a recent assessment shows that it would
take up to eight weeks to repair track damage caused by a landslide
that temporarily effected the Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner
train routes.
Amtrak said the landslide occurred on July 30 and it affected an
approximately 300-foot section of track between Santa Barbara and
San Luis Obispo.
Amtrak ceased operation of it trains on the route until a
temporary support structure could be placed on the tracks.
Amtrak, in association with Union Pacific, is soliciting
contracting bids for construction of a permanent structure.
In the meantime, Amtrak said it would continue operating on
their regular Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner schedules
during track work.
During the several days when the route was closed, Amtrak guests
were accommodated with Thruway Motorcoach service.
Guests were notified in advance of the disruption and given the
option of rescheduling their travel for a later date or receiving a
refund.