Project Facts
- Rail service was restored to Morton in June 2005.
- The historic train depot was built in 1910.
- The Cowlitz River Valley Historical Society purchased the depot in 1980 for $10.
July 2008
The rail line rehabilitation design work is complete. The project has been advertised with the bid opening scheduled for July 1. Completion is scheduled for October 2008. The historic depot was moved to its new location and the exterior rehabilitation work is almost complete.
Construction work on the rail line was scheduled for completion in October 2007, but the rail line and the Nisqually Valley Bridge were damaged during a storm that occurred in November of 2006.
Overview
This project continues railroad rehabilitation work accomplished by the Tacoma RMDRR Morton Line Repairs – Phase 2 project and provides for the restoration work on the Morton Depot.
Why is WSDOT
rehabilitating the rail line in Lewis County and the historic train depot in Morton?
Rehabilitation will enable the rail line to transport more goods and people safely, and enable the depot to serve as a destination for passenger excursion service.
The End Result
The rail line will serve both freight and passenger excursion service. The rehabilitated depot, which was moved from its original location closer to the center of town, will become part of a new tourist facility.
Project Benefits
- Ensure safe rail service to in Morton.
- Contribute to the revitalization of downtown Morton.
What is the project timeline?
The original schedule was delayed due to a severe storm that occurred in November of 2006. A new schedule has been developed and both the depot and rail line construction contracts are scheduled for completion in October 2008.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the WSDOT State Rail and 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 improving freight rail service, detailed environmental review is undertaken for each project. For major construction projects an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is often necessary.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Rail line 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 been identified thus far. 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 sources:
- Federal Funds - $1.1904 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $1.1904 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Ron Pate
Project Manager
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7950
E-mail: Ron Pate
Construction on this project will be managed by Tacoma Rail. For contracting information, contact Alan Matheson.
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