San Diego’s NCTD Rail Shutdown: Here’s What You Need to Know About the February 2026 Maintenance and Rescheduled Travel

North County Transit District (NCTD) has officially announced a two-day closure of all coastal rail service on February 21-22, 2026. The planned shutdown will impact the COASTER service, the primary commuter rail service in San Diego’s North County region, due to routine maintenance and major infrastructure upgrades. Travelers are being advised that all scheduled trains will be paused starting at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, and will resume service early on February 23, 2026. The closure is part of NCTD’s ongoing effort to maintain the rail system and advance critical construction projects.

This regular maintenance closure is part of NCTD’s pre-scheduled closures designed to ensure the safety and reliability of the rail system, enabling crews to perform necessary repairs and improvements on the tracks and stations. These planned shutdowns happen periodically throughout the year to accommodate preventative maintenance and rail construction activities.

What the Closure Means for Local Travel and Rail Service in San Diego

NCTD is urging all commuters and local residents to plan ahead for alternate transportation options during the rail closure from February 21 to February 22. The closure will begin with the last scheduled COASTER train at 12:30 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, February 21. During this time, no passenger rail service will be available on the coastal route that typically connects Oceanside to San Diego.

While rail service will be suspended, the NCTD stated that construction vehicles and test trains will still be operating along the route during the two-day closure. These vehicles are part of ongoing efforts to carry out the infrastructure work and tests that will ultimately lead to improvements in rail service. NCTD encourages the public to remain alert and use only designated rail crossings when near the tracks during this time.

Routine Rail Closures: Why Regular Maintenance Is Crucial for NCTD

In an official announcement, NCTD emphasized that closures like the one scheduled for February 21-22 are part of a regular maintenance schedule designed to ensure the safety and longevity of the rail system. According to NCTD, these closures offer construction crews the time and space needed to conduct essential repairs, as well as advance major railroad construction projects that improve rail infrastructure.

While these closures can be inconvenient for regular commuters, NCTD highlighted the importance of these maintenance windows for the continued reliability of train services. By using this time to address wear and tear, upgrade facilities, and perform preventative checks, NCTD is aiming to minimize disruptions in the long term and ensure a more efficient and secure rail system for passengers.

Additionally, NCTD has announced that other closures are scheduled for March 7-8, March 21-22, October 17-18, and November 7-8. Travelers should stay informed about these dates to plan accordingly.

Alternatives for Travelers: NCTD Encourages Use of Public Transit and Other Transport Options

While the COASTER train service is suspended, NCTD encourages travelers to utilize alternative public transit options during the closure. The BREEZE buses and LIFT paratransit services will continue to operate, providing accessible transport for those affected by the rail shutdown.

For those looking to travel along the same routes, bus service schedules will be adjusted to ensure a smooth transition from rail to road transport. NCTD is working to ensure that community events, local businesses, and essential services are not significantly impacted by the closure. Riders are encouraged to check the NCTD website and social media platforms for updated schedules and service alerts.

Public Safety Reminder: Staying Safe During Rail Maintenance and Construction

In addition to offering alternate transportation solutions, NCTD is reminding the public to exercise caution and stay safe while near the rail lines during the scheduled maintenance period. The district emphasized that only designated crossings should be used to cross the tracks, and pedestrians and motorists should remain alert to construction vehicles, test trains, and repair crews working on the tracks.

As the maintenance work progresses, NCTD is committed to maintaining safety protocols to protect both the public and workers along the rail corridor. Travelers are asked to adhere to these precautions and avoid entering areas where work is being conducted.

Looking Ahead: How NCTD’s Ongoing Maintenance Will Enhance Rail Service

As February 22 draws to a close, NCTD will resume regular COASTER service on Monday, February 23, at approximately 12:30 a.m.. By completing these routine closures, NCTD ensures that the rail network remains in top condition, meeting the needs of both daily commuters and tourists who rely on train services for travel along the scenic North County coastal routes.

NCTD’s commitment to improving the system with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure means that, even with short-term disruptions, the long-term travel experience for San Diego’s residents and visitors will be safer, smoother, and more convenient. As the demand for public transit increases in California, NCTD’s efforts to maintain and modernize the rail system will continue to play a central role in shaping the region’s future transit landscape.

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