Project Facts
- Trains serving the Port of Grays Harbor are delayed due to congestion in Centralia.
- The new connection and track realignment will improve train speeds.
- WSDOT facilitated discussions between several local community interest groups and four railroads, ultimately reaching an outcome to which all could agree.
August 2008
This is a multi-phased project. Only Phase 1A & 1B are partially funded.
Phase 1A and 1B will:
- Reconfigure the curve in Centralia.
- Replace jointed track between Centralia and Blakeslee Junction.
- Reconfigure the connection at Blakeslee Junction between Tacoma Rail and Puget Sound & Pacific Railroad.
- Resignal Napavine Hill.
- Remove tracks from Centralia and replace elsewhere in the Tacoma Rail system.
For details on Phase 2 thru Phase 5, see below in The End Result section.
Why is WSDOT
making changes to the tracks at Centralia?
The connection in Centralia between BNSF Railway and Puget Sound and Pacific Railroad (PSAP) needs to be improved so that train speeds can be increased at the junction.
The project will build a new connection between Tacoma Rail and PSAP at Blakeslee Junction. In addition, the tracks in the junction between PSAP and BNSF Railway in Centralia will be aligned.
The End Result
Once Phase 1A and 1B are completed, the new connections will reduce congestion for both rail and automobile traffic in the area.
The agreed upon option makes upgrades to the existing route used by trains carrying grain for the Port of Grays Harbor. In addition to making speed improvements at Centralia, it also provides for a connection to Tacoma Rail at Blakeslee Junction.
Phase 2 will add an additional rail line on the BNSF Railway network at Centralia.
Phase 3 will add additional storage capacity to the Puget Sound & Pacific line at Blakeslee Junction.
Phase 4 will add a storage track on the Puget Sound & Pacific line at Hoquim.
Phase 5 will make a new connection between Puget Sound & Pacific and Tacoma Rail at Grand Mound.
Only Phase 1A & 1B are partially funded.
Project Benefits
- Improved train speeds through Centralia
- Reduced congestion on city streets
- Less rail congestion for trains through Centralia
- Increased capacity for Burlington Northern through Centralia
- Alternative access point for Tacoma Rail to the BNSF Main line.
- Future trail development opportunity
What is the project timeline?
The Project requires additional funding that will not be available prior to the 2011/2012 biennium.
The agreement between the parties required the signing of an agreement between BNSF and Tacoma Rail. The terms of this have proven difficult to negotiate, but the railroads have agreed to a plan that is acceptable to all of them.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the WSDOT State Rail & Marine Office for more information.
WSDOT continues to work with port districts, county governments, and rail-dependent shippers to collaborate on how to preserve this rail system for now and in the future.
Environmental Protection
As WSDOT works with partners to identify, plan, and design construction projects aimed at preserving freight 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 will be done in conformance to American Railway Engineering Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and BNSF Railway track standards to help ensure the safe operation of 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:
- Phase 1A - 2005 Partnership Funding (Weight Fees) - $7.4 million
- Phase 1B - Multimodal Transportation Account - $1.5 million
- Phase 1B - Federal Funds - $3.9 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $12.8 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Andrew Wood
Deputy Rail and Marine Director
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7938
E-mail: Andrew Wood
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