Project Facts
- Work on the Puyallup River bridge will allow the use of 286k rail cars.
- Regional truck traffice will be reduced.
- The Tacoma Rail Mountain Division will be able to expand its' customer base.
November 2008
Tacoma Rail, WSDOT, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have agreed on project’s scope of work. WSDOT and Tacoma Rail are working together to determine the project's work breakdown structures, schedule, and deliverables. Tacoma Rail has gone to bid on the project for the engineering portion. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2009.
Originally part of the Milwaukee Road System, the rail line ran as a private logging railroad until the early 1990s when Tacoma Rail was purchased by the City of Tacoma. Between one and two freight trains operate daily over the line, and local trains provide pickup and delivery services. Freight traffic is mostly large aluminum billets, lumber, cedar fencing, agri-mulch for trans-load, sand and gravel, steel pipe, flour, farm equipment, and heavy equipment.
Why is WSDOT
improving the tracks on this section of rail line
The rehabilitation work will enable the rail line to transport more goods safely and efficiently. Making the Puyallup River Bridge 286K-compliant will extend the useful life of the structure and improve safety.
The End Result
The rail line serves many freight customers. The result of the project will allow for continued customer base expansion on the line and economic expansion for the three counties the rail line serves will provide.
Project Benefits
This project will:
- Examine and repair bridges
- Rehabilitate selected at-grade crossings
- Perform tie replace work between MP0.00 and MP34.20.
What is the project timeline?
The work on this project is scheduled to be completed by October 31, 2009.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please 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 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 on the project will be done in conformance to American Railway Engineering Maintenance-of-Way Association standards.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT will address the concerns of tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National 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 source:
- Federal Railroad Administration - $1.5 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $1.5 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Andrew Wood, PMP
Deputy Rail and Marine Director
WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7938
E-mail: Andrew Wood
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