Project Facts
- All three trainsets will receive interior and exterior improvements.
- The three state-owned trainsets have been in service since 1999.
- This is the first time the trainsets have been overhauled. Amtrak will also overhaul the two trains that it owns.
November 2008
Phase I overhaul work began in the fall of 2007. Four of the five trainsets have been completed. The Mt. Rainier trainset was the first to be refurbished and was completed on March 31, 2008. The Mt. Olympus was the second trainset to be refurbished and was completed at the end of June. The Mt. Hood trainset was completed and rotated back into service on August 30th. The Mt. Adams trainset was completed and placed back into service on October 27th. The Mt. Baker trainset is currently being refurbished and is expected to be completed by the end of December.
Why is WSDOT
overhauling the Amtrak Cascades trainsets?
The three state-owned trainsets will receive improvements that will restore them to like-new condition. After the improvements, their service life will be extended to approximately 2029.
The End Result
Work includes improvements to paint, seating, tables, carpet, toilets, windows, wall coverings, and video and audio systems.
Project Benefits
- Continued operation of Amtrak Cascades with the current number of round trips
- Extended service life of the trainsets to approximately 2029
What is the project timeline?
Work is scheduled to begin in summer 2007 and is scheduled for completion in 2011.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Contact the WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office for more information.
Environmental Protection
As WSDOT works with partners to identify, plan, and design construction projects aimed at expanding passenger rail service, detailed environmental review is undertaken for each project. For major construction projects, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is often necessary. Precise environmental issues have not been defined at this time.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Work on the trainsets will be done in compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and Amtrak standards to ensure safe operation of the trains.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
No project-related tribal resource impacts have yet been identified. WSDOT will address the concerns of tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Partnership Funding (Weight Fees) - $10 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $10 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Jeff Schultz
Operations and Rolling Stock Manager
WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7981
E-mail: Jeff Schultz
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