OCTA Presents Historic Railroad Bridge Plaque to San Juan Capistrano for Preservation

Artifact from original 1917 San Juan Creek rail bridge honors region's rail heritage while new bridge project advances to support transportation for generations to come

ORANGE - A piece of Orange County's rail history found a new home Tuesday evening as the Orange County Transportation Authority presented a historic cast-iron plaque from the original San Juan Creek railroad bridge to the San Juan Capistrano City Council.

The plaque, which adorned the original bridge built in 1917 by the American Bridge Company, was formally presented by OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico during the city's Council meeting as a lasting tribute to a structure that served rail passengers and freight traffic through South Orange County for more than a century.

The plaque, approximately 14-inches square, is one of the few remaining artifacts preserved from the original bridge, which carried trains across San Juan Creek for 100-plus years before being replaced as part of OCTA's ongoing rail improvement project.

"While we are investing in modern infrastructure to serve future generations, it is equally important to preserve and celebrate the history that helped shape our communities," said Federico. "This plaque represents more than a bridge - it represents over a century of rail service that connected South Orange County to the rest of Southern California and supported commerce, tourism and everyday travel. We are honored to present this important piece of local history."

OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico presents historic San Juan Creak rail bridge plaque for preservation to the San Juan Capistrano City Council on Tuesday, June 16. (Photo courtesy of the Orange County Transportation Authority.)

The original bridge was constructed by the American Bridge Company, an engineering firm responsible for numerous transportation projects throughout the United States and around the world. The company is still in business.

The plaque serves as a tangible reminder of the region's longstanding rail legacy and the vital role rail transportation has played in connecting communities across Southern California.

In October 2025, rail service was successfully shifted onto the newly constructed San Juan Creek Bridge, marking a major milestone in OCTA and Metrolink's efforts to modernize rail infrastructure along the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor, commonly known as LOSSAN.

Construction activities continue on the project including removal of the old bridge and additional foundation and substructure elements designed to support future transportation opportunities. OCTA remains committed to completing the project with as little disruption as possible for residents, businesses, pedestrians and cyclists who have navigated periodic closures and detours throughout construction.

Overall project completion is anticipated in early 2027.

For more information on the project, visit https://www.octa.net/sjcbridge.

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