Project Title & Location
Bellingham Waterfront Redevelopment

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.

Contractor/Consultant
City of Bellingham/Bellingham, WA

Recent Progress
This project, with $5 million appropriated for construction in the 2007-2009 biennium, 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.  The city and the port are developing a master plan that also includes two new roadway bridges over the relocated main line track.  the city has some federal highway funds for roadway design and engineering, which are separate from the rail project funds.

The rail line relocation project feasibility study performed on behalf of WSDOT, the city of Bellingham, and the Port of Bellingham was completed in November 2007.  Rail line relocation costs, excluding environmental documentation and right-of-way acquisition, are estimated at $10.8 million.

During the scoping phase, the city discovered evidence of possible ancient fishing activities.  Further, he cost estimates for both the roadway bridges and the rail relocation will exceed funds available.  The current estimated cost of the track relocation exceeds the available state funds by $5.8 million.  The archeological issue and the lack of funds for rail relocation and roadway structures means the project will not be constructed during the 2007-2009 biennium, as appropriated.

WSDOT intends to use the remaining federal funds from the feasibility study ($140,000) to perform additional cultural resource investigations after the city/Port Master Plan for the entire area is completed.  The investigative work is scheduled for summer 2008.

Design Construction Impacts
Recent site investigations revealed evidence of shell fishing prior to the city of Bellingham's founding.  Further investigations will occur in early 2008 if BNSF approves the relocation route.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
Environmental issues have not been defined at this time.

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.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account