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Project Title & Location
Bellingham Waterfront Redevelopment
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Project Description
The mainline of the BNSF Railway track currently runs through a sharp curve at a Georgia Pacific plant. Relocates a 3/4-mile section of track to allow the site to be redeveloped for recreational, residential, and commercial uses.
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Recent Progress
This project combines $5 million appropriated for construction in the 2007-2009 biennium with $180,000 for Bellingham – GP Area Upgrades. The combined funds will relocate the BNSF main line near Bellingham's central waterfront to allow redevelopment of the former Georgia Pacific site for commercial and residential uses.
A feasibility study assessing potential rail line relocation routes and costs was completed in December. The cost estimate for relocating the main line along the preferred alignment identified in the study is $10.7 million, which is $5.7 million more than what is currently available for construction. Further, there is insufficient funding to construct any of the proposed roadway bridges that will span the relocated main line track, at least one of which must be completed before the rail line can be relocated. Therefore, the rail project will not be completed before the end of the 2007-2009 biennium.
During the scoping phase, evidence of possible ancient fishing activities near the proposed route of the relocated rail line was discovered. This discovery will require further investigation before the project can move forward. WSDOT will continue to work with the city, the BNSF Railway, and others to determine the best way to advance this project with available funds.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
Environmental issues have not been defined at this time.
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Impacts to Traffic
The project may impact freight and passenger operations when construction commences. Amtrak Cascades passengers may occasionally be moved by motor coach during some work windows.
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