Project Facts
- The station is located at 303 S. Jackson Street in Seattle.
- Currently, the tracks at the station will not accommodate the anticipated growth in rail traffic.
- Reconfiguring the track connections south of King Street Station will accommodate more trains.
October 2008
The first phase of track construction work south of the station has been completed. The BNSF main line track was relocated approximately 50 feet to the east and new tracks connecting to the station platforms was completed in July. These improvements will reduce freight train and passenger train conflicts in the area and allow for more daily passenger trains at the station.
The remaining track work at King Street Station will be performed in the 2009-2011 biennium.
Overview
WSDOT-sponsored Amtrak Cascades, Amtrak long-distance trains (Coast Starlight and Empire Builder), Sounder commuter trains, and BNSF Railway freight trains all use the tracks at King Street Station.
Why is WSDOT
improving the tracks at King Street Station?
The number of passenger trains using the station is planned to increase in the future, and possible development in the area could limit future track improvements.
In a separate project, WSDOT is working with Amtrak, Sound Transit, BNSF Railway, and others to renovate King Street Station. Learn more about the King Street Station renovation project.
The End Result
Reconfiguring connections and relocating the BNSF Railway main line tracks south of the station will better accommodate the growing needs of WSDOT, Amtrak, Sound Transit, and BNSF Railway.
Project Benefits
- Improved accommodation of passenger and commuter trains
- Improved accommodation of freight trains
What is the project timeline?
October 2006: Construction began with contractor removing unused I-90 on ramp near Royal Brougham.
February through March 31, 2007: Royal Brougham was closed while BNSF Railway added railroad tracks over the street.
July 2008: Track work scheduled for the 2007-2009 biennium completed.
Winter 2011: Construction scheduled for completion.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Contact the WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office for more information.
Environmental Protection
A detailed environmental review of the project was completed. No impacts to endangered species are anticipated, according to the Biological Assessment.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
The new track configuration will allow more trains to access the station safely.
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) - $15 million
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $15 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Kirk Fredrickson
Project Manager
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7939
E-mail: Kirk Fredrickson
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