Project Facts
- Currently, the cost of shipping per ton-mile for trucks is $0.10 and $0.029 for rail.
- Currently, the cost for truck pavement wear is $0.12 per truck-mile.
- This rail line passes a proposed industry park, providing service to future businesses.
July 2008
This project proactively upgrades the southern portion track on the Lewis & Clark (LC) short line in expectation of higher rail traffic over the next 15 years. The selected track is 14 miles of rail between Rye Junction in Vancouver, Washington to Battleground, Washington. The project will upgrade rail, ties, and ballast at critical points between Vancouver and Battle Ground. The project includes critical culvert repair to prevent the rail line from washing out. Construction will begin in July 2008 and is scheduled to be completed by April 2009.
Why is WSDOT
upgrading the Lewis and Clark RR in Vancouver?
During the past 24 months, the rail line increased carloads because of a long term contract with the Columbia Basin Railroad Company. Based on a recent volume projection, it is anticipated there will be 10% annual growth for the next 15 years. With this proactive work, the current service life of this rail line will be extended past 2013.
The End Result
Completion of this project will allow for both increased speeds on the track and an expected increase in the volume of traffic.
Project Benefits
- Without this upgrade the current track will erode to unserviceable quality within the next 15 years
- Continued use of the rail line will reduce the cost of shipping goods as compared to truck shipping.
- Increase use of rail will reduce pavement deterioration on public roadways.
- Proactive rehab will keep overall project cost lower as compared to waiting until 2013 for projected closing of the rail.
What is the project timeline?
- The Grant Agreement between WSDOT and Clark County was signed February 2008.
- Planning and preliminary engineering of the project started February 2008.
- Construction will begin in July 2008.
- Construction complete by April 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
This is a critical aspect of any WSDOT project. WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize environmental impacts from our projects. During construction, WSDOT will reduce the impacts to wetlands, creeks, and rivers in the project area.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
It is anticipated that this rail will be come unsafe by 2013, leading to closing of the rail spur.
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?
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 resources:
Freight rail Assistance Funding Program: $1,100.000
Clark County match: $110,000
Total Funding: $1,210,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Lynnette L. Gregory
Project Manager
WSDOT State Rail & Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7903
E-mail: Lynnette L. Gregory
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