SAN CLEMENTE : North Beach Metrolink Station Near Completion

After nearly six months of construction, the new Metrolink train station at North Beach is just weeks away from completion, a city official said Tuesday.

The $2-million project, which will include a loading platform, bicycle racks and ticket machines, should be finished by mid-February and start service with a grand opening ceremony March 6, said Teri Delcamp, an associate planner for the city of San Clemente.

Funding for the project was provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority, Delcamp said.

“It’s real close,” Delcamp said. “Hopefully, by the middle of February, everything will be done but the passengers’ service building.”

The 1,000-square-foot service building, scheduled to be completed by mid- to late March, will include restrooms, a food concession and bike lockers, Delcamp said.

Three Metrolink trains destined for the 66-mile, 100-minute trip to Union Station in Los Angeles will leave and return to the San Clemente station each day, said Peter Hidalgo, a Metrolink spokesman. The actual schedules have not been set, he said.

Of the 250 parking spaces at the site, North Beach and the Ole Hanson Beach Club, 150 will be reserved for Metrolink riders. Delcamp said that although those lots are busy on weekends, they are underused on weekdays. Still, the city will monitor the parking situation, she said.

Parking will cost $1 a day or commuters can purchase an annual pass for $30 for residents of San Clemente, $45 for non-residents, Delcamp said.

Amtrak is expected to eventually move its San Clemente station to the North Beach site, Delcamp said.