Project Facts
- Market Street crossing does not have an "active" warning system (lights, gate, and bells).
- Construction of new sidings and sections of the railroad being repaired will comprise of concrete railroad ties.
- In order for forklifts to load and unload cargo from both sides of the railcar, heavy duty pavement is used.
October 2008
The Port of Olympia awarded the contract in September and held a pre-construction meeting on October 3. A Notice to Proceed was give on October 2, 2008.
Why is WSDOT
expanding rail infrastructure at the Port of Olympia?
The Port of Olympia submitted and received federal funds to expand their rail infrastructure and upgrade the Market Street at-grade crossing with active warning devices.
The End Result
The expanded rail infrastructure will increase rail car storage and switching capacity without blocking major rail access tracks. In addition, upgrading the Market Street at-grade crossing with active warning devices will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety.
Project Benefits
- Enhance safety at the Market Street Crossing.
- Facilitate continuous loading, unloading, and staging of rail cars during the work day.
- Reduce traffic delays by transporting longer trains at night during non-peak hours instead of during daytime hours.
What is the project timeline?
Preliminary engineering is nearing completion. Construction is anticipated to go out bid spring 2008 with completion scheduled in summer of 2009.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and comments 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 and habitat 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
All rail work will be done in conformance to the American Railway Engineering Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) standards.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT is consulting with the Nisqually Tribe, Snoqualmie Nation, Yakama Nation, and Squaxin Island Tribe on this project.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
• Federal Funds - $2.664 million
• Port of Olympia - $.136 million
• Total Funding From All Sources - $2.8 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Carolyn Simmonds
Project Manager
WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7992
E-mail: Carolyn Simmonds
Construction on this project will be managed by Port of Olympia. For contracting information, contact John Thompson.
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