Residents weigh in on SANDAG's rail realignment proposals along Del Mar bluffs
A large crowd turned out Thursday night at a music venue on the Del Mar fairgrounds to hear from project managers and share their thoughts, which will ultimately help SANDAG further refine how the project will evolve over time.
It comes after SANDAG released a new Notice of Preparation on May 16, teeing up a 30-month environmental review process which will eventually lead to a report.
'I was actively playing on the bluffs west of the tracks with my son who is 27 as he was growing up, and that's all gone,' said local resident, Jack Jaeger. 'So, I've watched 25 feet go in 44 years.'
Jaeger knows first-hand just how bad the coastal bluff erosion is near his 10th street home in Del Mar. He wants a seat at the table when decisions are made to realign the rail lines.
Up for debate are four options undergoing further study by the SANDAG Board of Directors.
'What we're looking for in this project is to make the lines safer, efficient and resilient,' said Keri Robinson, SANDAG's deputy director of Mega Projects, Border, and Goods Movement.
One option would involve tunneling under Camino Del Mar, while another would move the tracks from the San Dieguito bridge to Interstate 5, also involving some tunneling.
There's also the option to tunnel under Crest Canyon or keeping the tracks where they are but adding double tracking. Or there's a no-build option, which would involve more stabilization efforts.
'I think it's ludacris, absolutely ludacris,' said Jaeger. 'Darn near legally actionable for them to maintain the tracks on the bluffs.'
Opinions vary widely on the best way forward with the multi-billion-dollar project.
'I think it makes more sense to go under Camino Del Mar,' said Gary Hoffman, who lives on the outskirts of Del Mar on Racetrack View Drive. 'It would be easier, faster, less money.'
He said if the tracks move close to where he lives, noise is a major concern.
'So, I'd rather see it some other place, which is kind of what everybody wants – not in my backyard,' Hoffman continued.
The public will have until June 30 to provide comment on the four realignment options. Other ways to share your feedback include the following:
— Email: lossancomments@sandag.org
— Mail: SANDAG, Attn: LOSSAN Comments, 1011 Union St., Ste 400, San Diego, CA 92101
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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