Rail - Lewis and Clark RR - Vancouver Rail Improvements

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending March 2008

Project Title & Location
Lewis and Clark RR/Vancouver - Rail Improvements, Vancouver, WA

Project Description
This $1.1 million 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.

Contractor/Consultant
Lewis and Clark Railroad

Recent Progress
During the past 24 months the rail has had increased carloads, because of a long term contract with the Columbia Basin Railroad Company. Based on recent volume projection, it is anticipated there will be 10 percent annual growth for the next 15 years. Without this proactive work, the current track will erode resulting in poor service past 2013.

Project planning meetings started in October 2007 and the grant agreement was signed in February 2008.  Engineering design for track and culvert rehabilitation started February 2008.  The project is scheduled to go-to-bid for track rehabilitation by May 2008, with construction completion by April 2009.  Separate culvert design and rehabilitation is jointly being done with environmental agencies to minimize impact of this project to wetlands, creeks, and rivers in the project area.

Design Construction Impacts
This project will improve portions of the 14 miles of existing rail line on the southern portion of track on the Lewis & Clark short line to Battleground south. 

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
This is a critical aspect of any WSDOT project. WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize environmental impact from our projects. During construction, WSDOT will reduce the impact to wetlands, creeks, and rivers in the project area.


Impacts to Traffic
Only minor impacts to local roadway traffic is anticipated during construction.

Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Begin Preliminary Engineering Jan 2008 Feb 2008
Construction Begins May 2008 On schedule.
Constructions Complete Apr 2009 On schedule.
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions
Percent
of Total

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)
Project Expenditure Chart

Preliminary Engineering
Right-of-Way
Construction
Funded Project Costs $1.1 100%

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

  For more information, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects

Lynnette Gregory, Project Manager at 360.705.7903 or by E-mail at gregorl@wsdot.wa.gov